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The company has issued a 3-year contract to a joint venture comprising Zoramu Consulting Group and Invest in Africa to establish the IEC
Kampala, Uganda | THE INDEPENDENT | TotalEnergies EP Uganda has launched the Industry Enhancement Center (IEC), a sector-led initiative aimed at enhancing the capacity of Ugandan Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) to sustainably participate in the Oil and Gas sector.
The IEC will provide sector information, customized business advisory, training, and capacity-building services for Ugandan SMEs to enhance their knowledge and skills within the sector.
The aim is to boost their capacity to effectively participate in the opportunities within the Oil and Gas supply chain as well as other sectors.
The IEC though based in Kampala will support all Ugandan SMEs interested in participating in the sector and will also foster opportunities for networking and exchanges between IEC members and current sector providers.
Philippe GROUEIX, General Manager, TotalEnergies EP Uganda said, “Contractor development initiatives are key to resolving challenges 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.”
He added, “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 Center complements other ongoing initiatives by the Company to support the development of National Content. These initiatives include Community Supplier Development programmes in the Tilenga project area, skilling, and support to education institutions.
Ruth Nankabirwa Ssentamu, the Minister of Energy and Mineral Development said, “This initiative will empower Ugandan SMEs with the skills and resources to thrive within the oil and gas sector and beyond.”
She said that by fostering local business growth, the country creates lasting economic benefits and positions Ugandan companies as key drivers of national development.
TotalEnergies has issued a 3-year contract worth US$2.3million to a Joint Venture comprising Zoramu Consulting Group, a Ugandan Company, and Invest in Africa to establish the IEC. The Joint Venture Companies have industry knowledge and experience in strengthening the capacities and skills of SMEs within similar contexts.
“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,” said Project Director, Jimmy Mugerwa.
Ernest Rubondo, the Executive Director of the Petroleum Authority of Uganda said, the IEC comes in handy as the country continues to invest in the sector that requires high standards across the entire value chain. “I am happy with this center because it responds to the needs of National Content, one of the areas which we regulate.”
“The oil and gas sector in Uganda is going through a tremendous process,” he said, “
The IEC is a strategic initiative through which capacity building, together with the transfer of knowledge and technology to Ugandan companies will take place.”
TotalEnergies E&P Uganda and its joint venture partners developed this centre following the 2013 Industrial Baseline Survey recommendations.
Mr. Ernest Rubondo noted that the IEC will not only consolidate the achievements made in the past in enterprise development but also complement existing similar initiatives in the country’s private sector.
The IEC also comes just a year before the country gets its first oil according to the working schedule of the government.
