SLB’s Luanda Performance Live Center Advances Operations in Africa

First-year results show higher uptime, faster turnaround and more consistent operations

One year after opening, SLB's Africa Performance Live Center (PLC) in Luanda has supported more than 100 digital and operational projects, improving equipment availability, reducing turnaround times and minimizing production deferments across the region. The Luanda PLC supports operations in Angola, Namibia, Tanzania, Uganda and Kenya, bringing together engineering, data and domain expertise supporting multiple markets from one location. It serves as a hub where teams work together to improve performance across complex asset portfolios.

A different way to run operations

SLB's Performance Live Centers represent a shift in how operations are run, enabling assets to be monitored and optimized in real time. Engineers often manage multiple assets simultaneously, supporting a more consistent and scalable approach to asset management.

"In Luanda, we're pairing SLB's global expertise with regional capability to deliver solutions that improve uptime, enhance safety and reduce operating footprint," said Pereira Miranda, Africa Performance Center manager. "These are practical outcomes grounded in how operations run day to day."

Operating in a more complex environment

The timing reflects the region's priorities. Angola is working to sustain production at around 1 million barrels per day while attracting long-term investment, increasing the focus on efficiency and reliability from existing assets. Operators are also managing more complex operations with fewer experienced personnel, driving the need for more consistent execution and faster response to operational issues. The Luanda PLC helps address these challenges while enabling expertise to scale across assets.

A key driver of these results is the Performance Enhancement Plan, which aligns teams to identify bottlenecks and convert them into targeted actions. Through workshops and performance tracking, teams introduced predictive analytics and updated intervention workflows, delivering about 15% higher efficiency and up to 20% fewer equipment failures.

Teams are also applying digital technologies such as real-time monitoring and digital twins to improve planning and execution. In a recent offshore development project, a digital twin was used to validate the design of about 40 subsea wells, reducing redesign cycles and helping keep the project aligned with timelines.

Building capability at scale

The center is also building digital capability through the AI Academy program, where more than 200 participants from across the industry have completed training in AI, data analytics and machine learning. Many now lead digital initiatives within their organizations, helping build a more digitally capable workforce.

Looking ahead, the Luanda PLC is expanding its role as a regional hub for digital operations. Current efforts include piloting autonomous workflows, supporting carbon management and renewables training, and advancing broader energy transition initiatives. It reflects how SLB is applying digital technologies and domain expertise to improve execution and scale performance.