ALCO and the Politics of Local Content in Africa's Energy Future

The launch of the African Local Content Organization (ALCO) on Day 2 of the Namibia Oil & Gas Conference 2025 was more than a ceremonial milestone—it was a declaration of intent. By bringing together 16 founding members from 12 countries, ALCO aims to institutionalize what has long been Africa's most urgent, yet elusive, agenda in the extractive industries: building local capacity and ownership in a sector historically dominated by foreign expertise and capital.

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For decades, Africa’s oil and gas wealth has been paradoxical—vast reserves, but limited domestic benefit. Multinational companies controlled production, expatriates filled technical roles, and local participation was often confined to low-value contracts. “Local content” emerged as a policy response: the idea that oil wealth should be tied to training, job creation, and industrial linkages within host countries. Yet, implementation has often been inconsistent, fragmented by national regulations, and undermined by political patronage or weak institutions.