Service Providers to Promote Innovative Oilfield Solutions at Congo Energy & Investment Forum (CEIF) 2025
Service and technology providers are playing a growing role in Africa's oil and gas industry, delivering cutting-edge solutions that improve efficiency, foster innovation and support sustainability across a range of projects in the sector. These companies are key to advancing exploration and increasing production capacity and will showcase their strategies and upcoming projects at the inaugural Congo Energy&Investment Forum (CEIF) this March.
Taking place in Brazzaville from March 24-26, CEIF 2025 is set to showcase the Republic of Congo's energy ambitions, including the country's strategies to increase oil production to 500,000 barrels per day by 2027 and the introduction of its Gas Master Plan. With service companies like Accenture and NOV taking part in an in-depth roundtable session at CEIF 2025, the country is well-positioned to showcase an improved enabling environment that welcomes local and international companies.
The inaugural Congo Energy&Investment Forum, set for March 24-26, 2025, in Brazzaville, under the patronage of President Denis Sassou Nguesso and supported by the Ministry of Hydrocarbons and Société Nationale des Pétroles du Congo, will bring together international investors and local stakeholders to explore national and regional energy and infrastructure opportunities. The event will explore the latest gas-to-power projects and provide updates on ongoing expansions across the country.
Houston-based NOV is advancing Congo's oil and gas capabilities through cutting-edge technologies and services that enhance operational efficiency and support sustainable energy development. The company is involved in several strategic initiatives across key African markets, including contributions to offshore exploration and production. NOV, which will be represented at CEIF 2025 by Vice President of Global Accounts Arthur Ename, is also deeply committed to local content and workforce development, focusing on translating its expertise to support the growth of industries throughout the continent while creating jobs, transferring knowledge and empowering communities.
Meanwhile, professional services and consulting company Accenture boasts wide industry experience in oil and gas, utilities, chemicals and processing, rail transportation and technology and covers clients operating in upstream, midstream, downstream and oilfield services. As such, Accenture Executive and Associate Director Nosayaba Evboumwan will part in the CEMAC Energy Dialogue in-depth roundtable session at this year's CEIF 2025.
'The participation of NOV and Accenture at CEIF 2025 highlights the vital role service companies play in enhancing Congo's oil and gas sector. Their expertise in technology, innovation and workforce development is crucial to driving sustainable growth and industry transformation,' states Energy Capital&Power Events and Project Director Sandra Jeque.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Energy Capital&Power.
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Gulf Today
3 hours ago
- Gulf Today
How outsourcing to the gulf region can benefit European and North American companies
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Hi Dubai
4 hours ago
- Hi Dubai
How Dubai Businesses Can Strengthen Customer Retention Without Big Budgets
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In Dubai, email marketing campaigns have shown returns of approximately AED 42 for every AED 1 spent, while Google Ads aimed at existing customers can deliver returns of up to 400 percent ([ Lower Customer Acquisition Cost through WhatsApp WhatsApp communication tools are helping small businesses cut down on acquisition costs. In one example, Dubai-based education platform Gyanberry reduced its customer acquisition cost by 60 to 80 percent after switching to WhatsApp Business for lead generation and customer interaction ([ [ Repeat Customers Drive SME Stability According to Visa Middle East's 2024 SME report, micro-businesses view returning customers as their most reliable source of income and resilience, even more than new leads or outside funding. Cost-Effective Retention Tactics Here are practical and affordable strategies that Dubai's small businesses are successfully using to retain customers. Each method is based on real-world outcomes and proven effectiveness. a) Email and SMS Campaigns A café in JBR invested AED 1,500 in a targeted SMS campaign offering a 'Buy 9, get the 10th free' deal. The result was a 35 percent increase in repeat purchases and a 20 percent rise in monthly revenue. Email marketing also continues to deliver outstanding results in Dubai. Campaigns typically provide AED 42 for every AED 1 spent, making it one of the most cost-effective tools for customer retention. b) WhatsApp Commerce and API Dubai-based education platform Gyanberry adopted WhatsApp Business API and experienced significant results. Their customer acquisition cost dropped by 60 to 80 percent, engagement increased by 50 percent, and they expanded into more than 15 countries. In a broader study, 98 small businesses in Dubai reported better engagement and improved sales conversion after integrating WhatsApp API into their communication flow. 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Actionable 7-Step Roadmap This step-by-step guide is designed to help Dubai-based SMEs and micro-businesses build strong customer retention strategies using minimal budgets and practical tools. 1. Set Retention Goals Start by defining what customer retention means for your business. This includes setting a target repeat purchase rate and identifying your ideal lifetime value to customer acquisition cost ratio. For example, if acquiring a customer costs AED 100, your goal might be to ensure they generate at least AED 300 in total business over time. These metrics will guide every decision you make going forward. 2. Map the Customer Journey Visualize every stage your customer goes through. This includes how they discover your business, their first interaction, the purchase experience, and what happens after the sale. Do you follow up? Do you offer incentives to return? Mapping this journey helps identify gaps where customers drop off and opportunities to re-engage them. 3. Choose the Right Tool Mix Select two or three retention tactics that suit your audience and operations. For most SMEs, starting with segmented email campaigns, WhatsApp API for direct communication, SMS offers, or a basic AI chatbot can be highly effective. Keep your tools simple and easy to manage at first. Focus on where your customers are already active. 4. Set Up Technology Use free or affordable platforms to implement your chosen tactics. Mailchimp is excellent for email marketing, WhatsApp Business App or API is ideal for conversational follow-ups, and Google My Business helps with local SEO. Chatbot plugins like Tidio or Chatfuel can be used to answer common questions or send automated messages without human effort. 5. Launch Pilot Campaigns Begin with a small 30-day test. This could be a loyalty-based SMS offer, a birthday greeting through WhatsApp, or a weekly email newsletter with value-added content. The goal is not perfection but progress. 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You do not need big budgets to build customer loyalty. What you need is consistency, the right tools, and a genuine focus on your existing customers. A simple WhatsApp follow-up, a loyalty reward, or a well-timed message can go a long way. When done with intent, these small actions create habits, build trust, and lead to long-term growth. Retention is not about doing more. It is about doing what matters and doing it well. Also read: Setting Up IP Protection in the UAE: What SMEs Must Know Before Going Public Learn how UAE-based SMEs can protect their intellectual property before going public with clear, official steps and legal guidance. Best Co-working and Virtual Office Setups for Business Owners Looking to Grow Rising rents and hybrid work push UAE firms to co-working and virtual offices—smart, flexible solutions for growth without high setup costs. Hiring Top Talent in Dubai: A Quick Guide Unlock Dubai's talent pool! 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Fintech News ME
5 hours ago
- Fintech News ME
Property Finder Appoints REA Group CEO Owen Wilson to Board
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