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SONILS, Angola's leading logistics provider, is expanding its operations and partnerships in the oil and gas sector. In an exclusive interview with African Energy Week: Invest in African Energy, Director General Anabela Marcos discusses the company's approach to addressing the industry's evolving needs and its plans for sustainable growth.

1. Angola concluded its latest 12-block tender in January 2024 as part of a multi-year licensing round launched in 2019. How has SONILS adapted its logistics and operational strategies to meet the evolving needs of Angola's oil and gas industry, especially with the emergence of new concessions?

SONILS has been thoroughly preparing to meet the new demands of the oil and gas sector in Angola, with a special focus on developing our human capital and ensuring the availability of cutting-edge equipment. We are investing in the continuous training of our team, ensuring that our employees are well-equipped to handle emerging technologies and the complexities of a rapidly evolving environment. Additionally, we have expanded our fleet of modern equipment and optimized internal logistics to ensure that operations run smoothly without interruptions, even as activities increase.

The introduction of new concessions signifies growth in production and, therefore, a greater need for efficiency and speed in logistical processes while maintaining our commitment to safety and sustainability. By integrating state-of-the-art technology with a highly skilled workforce, SONILS is positioned to deliver robust logistical solutions that meet and exceed industry expectations.

2. This year, delegations from Namibia, Liberia, France and more visited SONILS’ logistics base in Luanda. What lessons can emerging oil and gas producers in Africa – such as Namibia, Mozambique and South Africa – learn from Angola's logistics infrastructure and SONILS’ operations?

SONILS serves as a notable example of how a country can leverage its logistics infrastructure to support robust development in the oil and gas sector by promoting inclusion and sustainable economic growth. We believe the key to success lies in adopting an integrated approach that extends beyond resource extraction to create opportunities for a diverse range of businesses and entrepreneurs along the value chain.

For countries like Namibia, Ivory Coast, and Liberia, Angola's experience underscores the importance of investing in infrastructure that supports the oil and gas supply chain from the outset. Our operations in Luanda highlight the need for flexibility and adaptability to quickly respond to industry needs, as well as the significance of public-private partnerships in driving growth and sustainability. Additionally, a commitment to international safety and quality standards is crucial for ensuring safe and efficient operations.

Angola’s experience demonstrates the importance of creating a collaborative ecosystem where companies of all sizes work together to provide integrated logistics support. Global industry leaders can operate alongside small and medium-sized enterprises, offering innovative and flexible solutions. This synergy enhances efficiency and service diversity while providing growth opportunities for local entrepreneurs. For countries seeking to drive local development in the petroleum sector, this integrated approach provides valuable lessons and opportunities. By fostering partnerships among companies of different sizes and backgrounds, it is possible to create an environment conducive to innovation, inclusive economic growth, and environmental sustainability.

3. To what extent is SONILS partnering with its regional counterparts in Africa? How will these partnerships support exploration and production activities across the continent?

SONILS is committed to fostering strategic collaborations with regional partners to strengthen the oil and gas industry across the African continent. Our partnerships involve the exchange of knowledge, best practices, financial investment, and support in the development of logistics bases modeled on SONILS or tailored to local needs, which helps overcome common challenges faced by oil-producing nations in Africa.

With nearly 30 years of experience, SONILS ensures the highest industry standards, enhancing operational efficiency and supporting exploration and production activities. Our investment strategy focuses on creating infrastructure that enhances logistical capabilities and promotes sustainable growth. By adapting our proven logistics model to suit local realities, we aim to empower regional partners and maximize resource utilization.

These partnerships create synergies that enhance logistics efficiency and promote sustainable development, driving growth and competitiveness in the African oil and gas sector. Through these alliances, SONILS plays a crucial role in fostering a resilient and thriving industry that benefits all stakeholders.

4. Looking ahead, what are SONILS’ strategic priorities and goals in the next 3-5 years, and how do events like AEW: Invest in African Energy support these objectives?

Over the next 3-5 years, SONILS aims to consolidate its position as a leader in integrated logistics for the oil and gas sector in Africa, with plans to expand our operations to new regions and enhance our service offerings. We aim to continue investing in technological innovation, sustainability, and infrastructure development. We are committed to reducing our carbon footprint through greener operational practices and strengthening our strategic partnerships. Events like AEW: Invest in African Energy are crucial to achieving these goals, as they enable us to connect with industry leaders, investors, and policymakers, fostering a collaborative environment that supports growth and innovation in the African energy sector. These events provide a platform to discuss new trends, investment opportunities, and challenges, aligning our efforts with market needs.

5. How does SONILS plan to leverage its participation in the AEW: Invest in African Energy conference to further its development and investment plans both in Angola and regionally?

Our participation in AEW: Invest in African Energy is a valuable opportunity to strengthen our role as a preferred partner in oil and gas logistics in Angola and beyond. We are focused on using this event as a platform to showcase our expertise, promote our services, and explore new opportunities for collaboration and investment. We plan to actively engage with potential clients and partners, presenting our expansion projects and highlighting the essential role that SONILS plays in the oil and gas value chain. Additionally, we look forward to learning from other experiences and innovations that can be applied to our operations. The goal is to create strategic alliances that not only benefit SONILS but also contribute to the sustainable development and prosperity of the African energy sector.