Member Focus Interview – This series of interviews aims to highlight the values, achievements, and future vision of our member organisations. We delve into the growth strategies that have driven their success and the vital role that collaboration with the ARDA community has played in supporting their business objectives.

Pétro Ivoire: Strategy, Collaboration, and a Vision for Africa’s Energy Future

Pétro Ivoire is an Ivorian company specialising in the distribution of petroleum products. With a network of 90 service stations across the country and more than 3 million gas cylinders distributed to Ivorian households, this ARDA member is a key player in the petroleum downstream sector in Côte d’Ivoire.

Pétro Ivoire markets fuel, lubricants, and butane gas while also developing associated services such as automotive maintenance through POINT S and multi-service shops. Founded in 1994, the company was established with the aim of providing a local alternative to multinational corporations operating in the Ivorian oil market. Since its inception, Pétro Ivoire has grown continuously thanks to a strategy focused on expanding its distribution network and diversifying its offerings. Today, it is the independent leader in the hydrocarbons sector in Côte d’Ivoire, with a triple ISO certification and the Hydrocarbons Sector Excellence Award in 2024.

The core values of Pétro Ivoire are based on rigour, ethics, fulfilment, and loyalty. Its mission is to provide its customers with quality products and services, while adhering to environmental and quality standards, as well as contributing to the economic and social development of Côte d’Ivoire. The company fully embraces its “Ivorian brand positioning with an African ambition” and is committed to embodying and promoting African values and potential.

Sustainable projects at the heart of Pétro Ivoire’s mission

In recent years, Pétro Ivoire has undertaken several key projects, including some sustainable initiatives of which it is particularly proud. Among the most notable are the development of a network of modern, digital service stations, including electric vehicle charging infrastructure, to meet market changes and the energy transition needs.

As part of its CSR commitments, Pétro Ivoire supports community initiatives such as education and replanting while contributing to the reduction of deforestation through the promotion of butane gas.

Furthermore, Pétro Ivoire has expanded its services by introducing new offerings to enhance the customer experience, such as the creation of “POINT S” maintenance centres, “CHEZNOU” stores that promote products by local artisans, and “LAVAGE +” cleaning services.

ARDA: a key partner for strategy and innovation

A member of ARDA since 2022, its membership offers Pétro Ivoire a platform to exchange best practices, anticipate regulatory changes, and access a network of industrial partners across Africa, thus strengthening its position in the market.

Sustainability Director, Jeanne Inès AHOURE, explains, “Thanks to ARDA, we have gained valuable insights into African market trends, particularly in terms of energy transition and innovations in refining and distribution, which have helped us adapt our strategy accordingly. Our regular participation in ARDA’s activities has allowed us to reflect on other investment opportunities to build proximity with customers, such as the development of mobile stations in Kenya.”

Pétro Ivoire has also embraced the opportunity to share its expertise for the benefit of other members of the Association. For example, the company recently implemented a continuous training programme for its employees, focusing on safety standards and environmental practices. These initiatives were shared during a visit by an ARDA delegation to Abidjan last year, fostering valuable exchanges and promoting a culture of excellence in the industry.

CEO Sébastien Kadio-Morokro emphasises the business advantage offered by ARDA. He explains, “Membership in ARDA represents a strategic opportunity for any company operating in the petroleum downstream sector in Africa. Collaboration between members is essential to harmonise quality standards, promote sustainable energy policies, and attract investments in energy infrastructure across the continent.”

Expansion and Innovation: a vision for Africa’s energy future

Looking to the future, Jeanne Inès AHOURE sees “many opportunities for ARDA members to drive the transformation of the industry.”

Among these opportunities are the promotion of energy transition by supporting the adoption of cleaner energy sources, such as liquefied natural gas, to reduce carbon footprints. Technological innovation is also crucial, with investments in cutting-edge technologies to improve operational efficiency and safety. Additionally, it is essential to enhance capacity by developing training programmes to refine the skills of professionals working in the sector. Finally, evolving legislation is key, with the creation of a framework that fosters secure investments, healthy competition, and better governance.

As for Pétro Ivoire, the company aims to strengthen its position as a local leader by continuing to expand its service station network, diversifying its services, and adopting cleaner energy solutions. It also plans to begin its sub-regional expansion in line with its vision: “To become a leading name in energy supply in Africa.” An ambitious goal, but one that this determined company will undoubtedly achieve in collaboration with the ARDA community.

CEO Sébastien Kadio-Morokro states:

“We remain convinced that ARDA will play an increasing and structuring role in the future of the African oil sector, particularly through the development of harmonised quality standards, the promotion of cleaner energies, and the support of players in their digital and energy transformation. Pétro Ivoire is honoured to be part of this dynamic and will continue to work toward a more efficient, accessible, and sustainable oil distribution in Africa.”

 

Version française de cette interview : Petro Ivoire : Stratégie, Collaboration et Vision pour l’avenir énergétique de l’Afrique