The Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board, NCDMB, has called for stronger African capacity, regional collaboration and increased investment to transform the continent’s natural resources into sustainable industrial growth.

The call was made at the Africa Local Content Programme held during Africa Oil Week 2026 in Accra, Ghana. Speaking on the theme, “From Resource Ownership to Industrial Power,” NCDMB Executive Secretary, Felix Omatsola Ogbe, represented by the Director of Corporate Services, Abdulmalik Halilu, said African countries must move beyond owning natural resources and develop the local skills, technology and businesses needed to maximise their economic value.

The Board urged countries to strengthen local content policies by supporting cross-border African capabilities, research and technology, local employment, strategic partnerships and the use of locally produced goods and services. NCDMB officials also participated in discussions on policy harmonisation, investment, financing, talent development and the creation of regional oil and gas industrial hubs.

The discussions identified access to capital, regulatory stability, technology, skills development and regional cooperation as critical to attracting investment and improving Africa’s competitiveness in the energy sector.

The NCDMB said its participation underscores its commitment to building an integrated and sustainable African energy industry capable of converting the continent’s resource wealth into long-term industrial development.