Scottish firms eye East African Oil and Gas sector

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15 firms have visited Kenya on a fact finding mission oh how the region is prepared for the oil and gas boom and to discover opportunities in the sector.

The Scottish firms hope they can deliver the experience they have especially in the oil and gas sectors spanning over 40 years into the young east African oil and gas sector.

The firms say Kenya can form a hub for their services thanks to its skilled workforce and the geolocation advantage that can let them access various markets including: Ethiopia, Uganda, Tanzania, South Sudan and the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo.

“The level of expertise developed in offshore oil and gas industry in Scotland is transferable to many parts of the world,” CEO of Scottish Development International Anne Maccoll.

The firms all say they will be targeting to leverage on the short skill supply in the industry in the region to offer specialized training.

Other training opportunities evident according to the companies include health and safety as well as supply chain management.

“With the oil and gas boom in east Africa it is important for companies operating the region to get the safety and security of their operations right from the first time,”   says Rona Young of Actor risk Group.

Besides Kenya the firms have also toured Tanzania where they are targeting the especially successful offshore gas sector.

“In fact in our most recent survey of international activity by the Scottish supply chain, Africa was the top geographic region for direct oil & gas sales, second only to North America in total international sales, including those through subsidiaries. This trade mission will help companies explore how they can use the experience they have built up in the challenging environment of the North Sea, to exploit these growing opportunities and develop their business internationally.” Maccoll told 34 firms that visited Tanzania in early February.

Tullow Oil which is exploring in the region is so far the most successful explorer and is Scottish by origin.

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