Senegal: INPG launches "PetroChallenge", the 1st oil and gas innovation competition in French-speaking Africa.

In a world of perpetual competition and ever-increasing demands for quality, the Institut National du Pétrole et du Gaz (INPG) has launched an innovative initiative: the PetroChallenge. This event, the first of its kind in French-speaking Africa, aims to stimulate young people's interest in the oil and gas professions.

The PetroChallenge, in partnership with SLB (formerly Schlumberger), took place in the prestigious setting of the King Fahd Palace complex, in the presence of representatives of the Ministry of Oil and Energy, the Permanent Secretariat of Cos-Pétrogaz, and major oil companies such as BP, Woodside, Kosmos Energy, and Subsea 7. The competition marked a significant turning point in INPG's approach to education and training in this sector.

In his speech, Mr. Aguibou Ba, General Manager of the INPG, underlined the importance of the event, placing particular emphasis on the involvement of women in the industry. The INPG, much more than a training establishment, is positioning itself as a key player in local capacity building, aiming to become the leading provider of oil and gas training in Senegal and the West African sub-region.

The competition highlighted the integration of geosciences, petroleum engineering and other related disciplines, covering the sector's entire value chain. Among the participating schools, the École Supérieure Polytechnique de Dakar stood out, taking first and third prize, followed by the Prytanée Militaire de Saint-Louis.

The closing ceremony of this first PetroChallenge edition was marked by the presentation of prizes to the winners and heartfelt thanks to all participants, including École Supérieure Polytechnique de Thiès, Institut Polytechnique de Saint-Louis, École Nationale Supérieure des Mines et de la Géologie, and Lycée John Fitzgerald Kennedy de Dakar.

The event was also supported by a number of institutions and companies, including the Ministry of Oil and Energy, CospetroGaz, Kosmos Energy, bp, Woodside Energy, Subsea7, Ecobank Senegal and RMO ENERGY SERVICES.

Finally, in his speech, Mr. Ba expressed his gratitude to the participating partners and institutions, underlining the importance of this competition in encouraging young people, especially girls, to take up technical careers in the energy sector. He also highlighted the INPG's role in popularizing its post-baccalaureate programs and in providing quality training across the entire value chain of oil and gas professions.

The INPG PetroChallenge is part of an immersive and collaborative learning approach, preparing Senegalese youth for the future challenges of the sector. With such success, the event has established itself as an annual rendezvous, promising new challenges for the 2024 edition.

The First Edition of the PetroChallenge draws to a close!