Ovation Data, a global leader in data management and digital transformation, has announced its expansion into Africa, joining forces with the ETK Group
The partnership aims to tackle mounting concerns in global energy markets about the risks tied to non-digitised legacy data, particularly in African energy sectors.
The company’s latest industry survey, presented at IMAGE 2025 in Houston, highlights widespread concern about the preservation of legacy geological and geophysical data. The survey, which included significant input from African operators, regulators, and technical professionals, reveals a substantial gap in data readiness across the energy sector. In particular, it points to the growing challenge of non-digitised data in countries rich in exploration potential, like many across Africa.
“Effective data management means more than digitising archives,” said Gregory Servos, executive chairman of Ovation Data. “It involves collaborating closely with operators, regulators, and technical teams to recover historical data, capture its context, and respect the social and cultural dynamics unique to each market.” As energy projects focused on Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS), Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG), and the broader energy transition gain momentum, Ovation believes that securing data readiness will be critical for supporting operational efficiency and securing investments.
The survey’s results paint a concerning picture: 82% of respondents expressed fears about the permanent loss of legacy geological and geophysical data, while 50% highlighted project delays and incomplete data as serious concerns. Additionally, 61% of respondents feel that digitisation and data structuring aren’t receiving adequate investment or attention, and 12% remain unaware of the risks associated with holding non-digitised data.
The study also underscores a significant concern about losing undocumented knowledge as senior professionals retire or move on. “In Africa, this challenge extends beyond data trapped in obsolete formats,” Servos adds. “It’s also about preserving decades of technical insight, decision-making, and cultural context that will otherwise be lost when experienced professionals retire.”
ETK Group, with its deep understanding of African energy markets, will play a pivotal role in helping Ovation navigate the continent’s diverse and evolving landscape. Bolaji Sofoluwe MBE, managing director of ETK Group, said, “Africa’s energy sector offers immense potential, and data-driven solutions will be key to unlocking efficiency, regulatory compliance, and long-term sustainability.”
The findings of Ovation's survey serve as a wake-up call not only for Africa but for the global energy sector. As projects ranging from carbon storage to LNG development and renewable energy integration become more data-intensive, it’s evident that decades of seismic and well data must be preserved, accessible, and trusted.
Trudy Curtis, CEO of the PPDM Association, emphasises the importance of long-term stewardship in maintaining the value of energy data. “Without deliberate, intentional and sustained stewardship, these valuable assets are at risk of being lost, degraded, or rendered unusable,” she states.