Aramco's iktva is shaping KSA's energy future

Saudi Arabia's localisation initiatives, led by Aramco's iktva programme, are transforming the energy sector, driving economic growth, job creation, and innovation, while positioning the Kingdom as a global energy hub by 2030

- By ABDULAZIZ KHATTAK

IN a rapidly changing global economy, localisation is no longer a mere strategic choice but an imperative.

For Saudi Arabia, the drive to localise is central to the transformation of its energy sector, aligning with the nation's broader ambitions to diversify its economy and achieve self-sufficiency.

Through initiatives like Aramco’s In-Kingdom Total Value Add (iktva) programme, the Kingdom is not only strengthening its energy sector but also laying the foundation for a more resilient, sustainable, and diversified economy.

Localisation efforts in energy are transforming the Kingdom into a global energy hub, creating jobs, stimulating investment, and empowering a new generation of homegrown talent.

A cornerstone of this transformation is the iktva programme, initiated by Saudi Aramco in 2015.

The programme is a key driver of the Kingdom's localisation strategy, designed to integrate local businesses into the energy sector's supply chain while reducing reliance on foreign imports.

Its success is exemplified by its vast scale, with thousands of local suppliers and manufacturers now playing a pivotal role in Aramco’s operations.

This initiative has been described as a "game changer" by Amin Nasser, Aramco’s President and CEO.

He said: “Through the outstanding commitment of our suppliers, we have created tens of thousands of quality job opportunities for the local workforce, and continue to contribute to the Kingdom’s long-term economic growth and diversification as we achieve our localisation objectives. We look forward to making further progress at the upcoming iktva Forum & Exhibition 2025.”