Local content, gas and industrial growth major talking point at LGLE 2026
By Ndubuisi Micheal Obineme
The Louisiana Global Leadership Exchange (LGLE) shines a spotlight on the emerging trends and opportunities to enhance the relationship between Louisiana and Africa in the energy sector.
The inaugural LGLE event took place on October 24, 2026, in Paris, where representatives from Louisiana and Africa gathered to discuss key topics covering local content, gas, and industrial growth.
An LGLE energy-focused panel session titled ‘Powering Both Shores’ was led by the Hon. Lady Fontenette Brown, the founder of the Louisiana Global Leadership Exchange. The panel also featured Patrick Riley, Director of Governmental Affairs and Assistant General Counsel at the Louisiana Chemistry Association; Ope Osinubi, a Senior Associate in Clifford Chance’s Energy & Infrastructure Group; and Arthur Ename, Vice President for Africa at NOV.
Speaking on Louisiana’s energy prospects, Patrick Riley spotlighted Louisiana’s strong industrial base, energy resources, and access to major shipping routes as strategic advantages for expanding trade with Africa.
Riley cited the $264 billion in new investments locked in over the past three years in Louisiana, highlighting the growing demand for energy and raw materials.
However, he emphasized that local content and workforce training are essential in Louisiana’s energy sector, cautioning that projects without a credible local content plan risk failure.
He cited some carbon capture projects that failed for lack of a credible local content plan.
He said oil, gas, and metals will remain important despite the transition to electric vehicles and batteries, presenting opportunities for Louisiana to leverage its position as a leading LNG exporter to strengthen energy partnerships and trade with African markets.
For Africa, Ope Osinubi said Africa has become an investment destination, particularly for businesses and investors seeking opportunities in energy, infrastructure, and related industries.
He highlighted growing investment opportunities in Africa’s energy and natural resources sectors, driven by increased oil exploration, expanding gas infrastructure, and rising energy demand.
He noted that Nigeria is attracting investors, and emerging markets like Namibia are increasingly gaining investors’ interest.
According to him, a major shift is underway from exporting gas to developing pipelines, processing facilities, and import terminals that support Africa’s domestic energy needs and industrial growth.
He explained that investors remain interested in African projects due to relatively stable fiscal terms, profit-repatriation assurances, and evidence that large-scale developments can succeed.
He pointed out that there are opportunities for local African contractors to grow their businesses and establish supply-chain relationships with U.S. companies, particularly small and mid-sized firms in Louisiana.
On his part, Arthur Ename underscored the importance of developing Africa’s domestic gas market to improve electricity supply, support industrialization, and ensure that minerals are processed locally rather than being exported.
He also stressed that local content should be an integral part of business strategies, underscoring the need for companies to invest in local partnerships, skills development, and training instead of relying on imported expertise.
In closing, the moderator mentioned that LGLE will host a Louisiana panel at African Energy Week 2027 in South Africa to advance Louisiana-Africa relations.
