Choiseul Africa 2024: Thierno Seydou Ly, a leader at the service of Senegal's hydrocarbons

In the prestigious Choiseul 100 Africa 2024 ranking, which highlights the continent's influential young leaders, Thierno Seydou Ly stands out as a key figure in the hydrocarbons sector. Among the seven young Senegalese recognised this year, his career path reflects not only advanced technical expertise, but also strategic influence in the management of Senegal's energy resources.

A graduate of the prestigious École Polytechnique in Paris, Thierno Seydou Ly was appointed Managing Director of Société des Pétroles du Sénégal Exploration et Production (PETROSEN E&P) in May 2022. This appointment is the crowning achievement of an impressive career marked by deep immersion in the hydrocarbon sector, both in Senegal and internationally. Before taking the reins of PETROSEN E&P, he was Director of Hydrocarbons at Senegal's Ministry of Petroleum and Energy from January 2020 to May 2022, playing a crucial role in guiding the country's energy policies.

An international career serving the continent

Before returning to Senegal, Thierno Seydou Ly built up solid experience in the private sector, notably with the TotalEnergies group, where he spent eight years. In the course of his assignments, he travelled across Africa, taking on various responsibilities ranging from Well Performance Engineer in Nigeria to Development and Planning Engineer in Gabon, via FPSO Platform Coordinator in Angola. He has also contributed to major projects in the Middle East as Petroleum Architect in Paris. This international background is testimony to his ability to evolve in complex, multicultural environments, an essential asset when it comes to managing one of Senegal's strategic hydrocarbon entities.

His return to Senegal, marked by his appointment in 2018 as Number 1 Technical Advisor to the Minister of Petroleum and Energy, illustrates a strong commitment to contributing to his country's development. As Director of Hydrocarbons, he oversaw large-scale projects in the oil and gas sector as Senegal prepares to become a key player on the global energy scene.

A multidisciplinary expert at the helm of a key sector

In addition to his experience in the field, Thierno Seydou Ly has built up a profile as a multidisciplinary specialist, with skills covering oil, gas, petroleum economics, chemical engineering and reservoir engineering. With a degree in oilfield exploitation and project development from IFP School, he has a global vision of energy issues, combined with a detailed understanding of local dynamics.

Under his leadership, PETROSEN E&P plays a central role in the exploration and production of Senegal's petroleum resources. Its leadership is part of a dynamic in which the development of Senegal's hydrocarbons is seen not only as a driver of economic growth, but also as a lever to encourage the creation of local content and the transfer of skills, particularly in sectors linked to gas and oil projects.

A strong commitment to Senegal's development

Thierno Seydou Ly embodies a new generation of African leaders, determined to use their expertise to transform their countries. With a rigorous approach inherited from his academic background, he brings to PETROSEN E&P a long-term vision, supported by initiatives to build local capacity and maximise economic benefits for Senegal.

Beyond his professional responsibilities, Thierno Seydou Ly is passionate about travel and football, two passions that help him maintain a balance between his personal life and his professional commitment. With a career that continues to go from strength to strength, he remains a key figure in Senegal's energy future and a role model for the continent's young talent.

Thanks to his inclusion in the Choiseul 100 Africa 2024, Thierno Seydou Ly joins the select circle of the most influential African leaders, whose trajectories are inspiring and shaping the future of the continent.