Australian energy company Woodside Energy has been named International Local Content Champion of the Year at African Energy Week (AEW) 2025, in recognition of its ongoing efforts to develop local skills, strengthen industrial capacity, and empower communities across Africa.
The award highlights Woodside Energy’s approach to ensuring local people and businesses play a central role in major energy projects. Its flagship initiative, the Sangomar offshore development in Senegal, is a key example. Woodside has partnered with Senegal’s state-owned energy company, Petrosen, to integrate local suppliers, expand industrial capacity, and provide economic benefits to surrounding communities.
The project’s FPSO vessel subsea installation was managed from Dakar, with logistical services provided by local businesses, demonstrating the company’s commitment to local involvement in complex energy operations.
Beyond project delivery, Woodside Energy supports mentorship programs, skills-building workshops, and enterprise development. These initiatives are designed to give communities internationally competitive skills, strengthen local industries, and build long-term capacity in Africa’s energy sector. By investing in people and local companies, Woodside aims to create sustainable economic benefits that extend beyond the life of the project.
“Woodside Energy demonstrates how international companies can drive real, lasting change in Africa,” said NJ Ayuk, Executive Chairman of the African Energy Chamber. “Through the Sangomar project and its broader partnerships – and now as the company advances to Phase 2 Woodside has shown that investing in local talent, suppliers and industrial capacity is not just the right thing to do; it is essential for building a truly sustainable energy sector across the continent.”
The recognition at AEW reinforces Woodside Energy’s reputation as a global energy company that prioritizes local empowerment, aligning its projects with Africa’s broader industrial and economic development goals.
Source: African Energy Chamber
