With nearly five decades of experience in industrial maintenance, Dietsmann used its participation in Cape Town to highlight its expertise in operations and maintenance, advanced technologies, workforce development and the importance of extending the productive life of Africa’s energy assets.
By Ajong Mbapndah L
As Africa accelerates oil and gas exploration, expands production and attracts fresh investment in energy infrastructure, international operations and maintenance specialist Dietsmann is reinforcing its position as a trusted service provider to the continent’s energy industry. The company brought its experience and technical expertise to African Energy Week (AEW) 2026 in Cape Town, where CEO Cesare Canevese joined industry leaders in discussing the opportunities and challenges facing Africa’s growing oil and gas services market.
Speaking during the panel discussion, “Africa’s Oil & Gas Services Opportunity,” Canevese emphasized the importance of effective maintenance, operational reliability, local capacity development and the adoption of modern technologies in helping energy companies maximize the value of their investments.
“Africa is drilling more, exploring more, and building more,” Canevese declared, pointing to the growing activity across the continent’s energy industry. His remarks also underscored the importance of ensuring that existing facilities remain productive, safe and commercially viable as operators pursue new exploration and development opportunities.
For Dietsmann, whose services cover Operations and Maintenance, Maintenance Engineering and Inspection, digital solutions and advanced technologies, the discussion provided an opportunity to share its experience in helping operators improve performance, reduce downtime and extend the operational life of industrial facilities.
The panel, moderated by Elliot Radley, Vice President of Business Development for Oil at Argus Media, also featured Samuel Diminas, CEO of Westpaq International; Heráclito Alfredo, Operations Manager at SBM Offshore Angola; Dr. Jiří Rus, Sales Director Africa at NEUMAN & ESSER Compressor Service; and Sana Donald, Area Business Development Manager for Sub-Saharan Africa at Halliburton. Discussions examined the opportunities available to service companies as African producers seek to strengthen operations, control costs and expand into new markets.
Canevese drew attention to the importance of maintenance and reliability in an industry where equipment failures and production interruptions can have serious financial consequences. With several African producers working to increase output from mature fields while developing new projects, the demand for experienced maintenance service providers continues to grow.
Technology featured prominently in Dietsmann’s contribution to the discussions. The company is increasingly incorporating digital solutions into its maintenance services, including artificial intelligence, predictive maintenance systems and digital twins that help operators monitor equipment performance, anticipate technical problems and improve maintenance planning.
These technologies allow maintenance teams to identify potential equipment failures before they disrupt production, helping operators reduce unplanned shutdowns and improve the efficiency of their facilities. Digital twins also provide engineers with virtual representations of industrial assets, allowing them to assess operating conditions and identify opportunities for improved performance.
Dietsmann has continued to invest in advanced inspection systems, robotics and data-driven maintenance solutions as part of its efforts to improve service delivery. Combined with the company’s established engineering expertise, these technologies support more efficient maintenance operations while helping clients manage costs and maintain high safety standards.
Workforce development was another important aspect of the company’s message at AEW. Dietsmann places considerable emphasis on training local professionals and developing the technical expertise required to operate and maintain increasingly sophisticated energy infrastructure.
Across Africa, where governments are placing greater emphasis on local content and skills transfer, the development of qualified engineers, technicians and maintenance specialists remains a major priority. Dietsmann’s experience in training and working with local personnel gives it an important role in supporting these objectives while helping operators build dependable technical teams.
Founded in the Netherlands in 1977, Dietsmann has spent nearly five decades developing its expertise in industrial maintenance, serving major energy operators and managing complex maintenance requirements at onshore and offshore facilities.
The company’s African footprint includes operations and project engagements in Nigeria, Angola, Gabon, the Republic of Congo and Uganda. Its experience in these markets has provided valuable knowledge of the operating conditions, technical requirements and business environments confronting energy companies across the continent.
In Nigeria, Dietsmann has undertaken maintenance engineering and inspection activities, while its work in Gabon has included services for TotalEnergies. The company has also maintained a presence in the Republic of Congo and undertaken maintenance-related activities in Uganda, strengthening its involvement in both established and emerging African energy markets.
Dietsmann’s range of services covers maintenance planning, engineering, inspection, execution and operational support. Its integrated approach allows operators to draw on specialized technical expertise for different aspects of facility maintenance, from routine equipment inspections to more complex maintenance programs.
Quality, safety and environmental responsibility remain important considerations in the company’s operations. Dietsmann places emphasis on established health, safety and environmental procedures, technical competence and consistent service delivery, particularly in the demanding environments associated with oil and gas production.
Its investments in robotics, remote inspection systems and advanced monitoring technologies are also helping to improve the way maintenance activities are carried out. Such technologies can reduce the need for personnel to enter hazardous environments while providing operators with more detailed information about the condition and performance of critical equipment.
Dietsmann’s participation at African Energy Week 2026 went beyond Canevese’s panel appearance. The company was represented by a high-level delegation comprising Chairman Peter Kutemann, CEO Cesare Canevese, Vice President Operations Alberto Ruggieri, Communication Officer Bérengère Delavacquerie and Executive Assistant to the CEO Zineb Faraj.
The delegation maintained a busy schedule of engagements with industry leaders, existing partners and potential clients, discussing the changing requirements of the energy industry and opportunities for cooperation. Dietsmann also used its presence at the conference to showcase its maintenance capabilities, digital solutions and technical services to delegates from across Africa and beyond.
For the company, AEW offered an opportunity to strengthen existing relationships, establish new contacts and gain further insight into the needs of operators working in different African markets. The presence of senior executives also reflected the importance Dietsmann attaches to the continent and its prospects for continued growth.
As African countries pursue new discoveries, expand production and develop major infrastructure projects, the availability of dependable maintenance services will remain essential to their success. Existing facilities require sustained technical attention, while new projects need experienced service providers capable of supporting operations from commissioning through their productive life.
Dietsmann’s extensive industry experience, African presence and investments in modern maintenance technologies place it in a strong position to compete for these opportunities. Its emphasis on technical quality, operational reliability and local workforce development also responds to the priorities of operators seeking greater efficiency and lasting value from their investments.
African Energy Week 2026, held in Cape Town from October 12 to 16, has brought together governments, national and international oil companies, investors and service providers for discussions on the future of the continent’s energy industry. For Dietsmann, the gathering has provided another opportunity to demonstrate its commitment to Africa and the role it intends to play in supporting the industry’s continued development.
Canevese’s contribution to the discussions highlighted a practical consideration for Africa’s energy ambitions: while new discoveries and investments remain important, the performance of existing infrastructure deserves equal attention. Keeping facilities operating safely and efficiently is essential to protecting investments, sustaining production and improving profitability.
With nearly five decades of experience, a substantial African footprint and an expanding range of maintenance technologies, Dietsmann left a strong impression at AEW 2026, reinforcing its credentials as a service partner for energy companies seeking quality, reliability and long-term operational performance.