As part of its strategy to promote local content and strengthen Uganda’s oil and gas sector, CNOOC Uganda Limited has launched a Free Online Enterprise Development Programme aimed at empowering Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in the country.
The programme will run from Monday, October 28, 2024, to Thursday, November 7, 2024, offering tailored business training to help SMEs compete effectively in the oil and gas supply chain and other sectors.
Facilitated by Vectra Energies, the training is designed to meet the specific needs of SMEs eager to engage in Uganda’s oil and gas industry.
Participants will gain practical knowledge in business management, compliance with industry standards, and insights into the procurement processes of the oil and gas sector.
“Our goal is to build the capacity of local SMEs and prepare them to seize opportunities in Uganda’s oil and gas sector. We are committed to investing in initiatives that foster local content and economic growth, and this online training programme is part of our broader effort to ensure that Ugandan businesses are well-positioned for success,” said Mr. Liu Xiangdong, President of CNOOC Uganda.
The programme will in additional cover key areas such as financial management, health and safety standards, technical training, and strategic business planning, focusing on the oil and gas sector.
By the end of the programme, SMEs will have the skills necessary to meet industry standards, enabling them to successfully bid for contracts and deliver quality services.
Eric Jumba, National Content Manager, emphasized the programme’s practical approach: “This initiative is not just about imparting knowledge; it’s about equipping SMEs with actionable strategies to thrive in a competitive market. By addressing the specific challenges faced by local businesses, we aim to contribute to their sustainable growth and long-term success.”
Open to all Ugandan SMEs across various sectors, including construction, logistics, hospitality, and information technology, the free programme required participants to register online through CNOOC Uganda’s website by Friday, October 25, 2024.
Peter Mugisa, a participant, expressed his enthusiasm: “I am excited to be part of this initiative and will ensure I attend all sessions.”
CNOOC Uganda Limited, a subsidiary of CNOOC Limited—China’s largest producer of offshore crude oil and natural gas-is committed to promoting national content and enabling Ugandans to capitalize on opportunities in the oil and gas sector.
CNOOC Limited which also operates globally across Asia, Africa, Oceania, North and South America, focusing on exploration, development, production, and sales of oil and natural gas, was granted a production license in September 2013 for the Kingfisher Development Area in Kikuube district, Western Uganda.