TotalEnergies EP Uganda: In Alliance with Zoramu Consulting Group and Investment in Africa Liftoff the Industry Enhancement Center a sector-led in enabling the capacity of Ugandan Small and Medium Enterprises to Participate in the Oil and Gas Sector

By Abdul Rahman Bangura-

NEW AFRICA DAILY NEWS (NADN) Freetown, Sierra Leone– The Industry Enhancement Center will deliver sector information, customized business advisory, training, and capacity building services for Ugandan SMEs to enable their knowledge and skills within the sector.

The purpose is to bolster their capacity to efficiently participate in the opportunities within the oil and gas supply chain as well as other sectors.

Jimmy Mugerwa – Managing Director at Zoramu Consulting Group noted, the IEC based in Kampala will support all Ugandan SMEs interested in participating in the sector and will same accelerate chances for networking and exchanges between IEC retinues and current sector providers.

“The IEC launch is important for Ugandan companies, as it creates significant potential to supply goods and services to the oil and gas industry. It will address capacity gaps that previously limited Ugandan businesses from participating meaningfully in the sector and benefiting from the significant opportunities it presents,” Mugerwa remarked.

Speaking at the IEC launch, Philippe Groueix – General Manager at TotalEnergies EP Uganda stated, contractor development initiatives are critical to stabilizing difficulties that prevent maximum participation of Ugandan suppliers in the oil and gas industry supply chain.

“Some of these challenges include, knowledge of the sector, HSE practices, certification requirements, technical competencies, and financial modelling. We believe contractor development support through the IEC is crucial in mitigating these challenges hence boosting local businesses to successfully participate in the sector.”

“The launch of the IEC represents our commitment towards promoting national content and shared value for the sustainable development of Uganda’s oil and gas sector and the country at large.”

The IEC launch follows an Industrial Baseline Survey commissioned by TEPU and Joint Venture partners in 2013, through which the need for promoting national content and capacity building for Ugandan SMEs was identified so that they can ably participate in the sector.

The facility launch was officiated by Dr. Ruth Nankabirwa Ssentamu, Minister of Energy and Mineral Development.

This concept will straighten Ugandan SMEs with the skills and resources to navigate within the oil and gas sector and beyond. By stimulating local business expansion, we create lasting economic benefits and position Ugandan companies as key drivers of national development.” she noted.

TEPU has issued a 3-year contract worth $2.3 Million to a Joint Venture comprising Zoramu Consulting Group, a Ugandan company, and invest in Africa to establish the IEC.

For New Africa Daily News Abdul Rahman Bangura Reports, Africa Correspondent