Gapuma Group at Argus Global Base Oils 2026
5 February 2026 This week, Gapuma Group attended the Argus Global Base Oils Conference in London –a premier gathering of over 400 key decision-makers from across the international base oils and lubricants value chain. Group Managing Director Jack Bardakjian led our delegation, and was joined on Wednesday by the Senior Leadership Team from GLB Chemical Services Limited, our Nigerian subsidiary: Prakash Ramchandani (Managing Director), Thompson Longe (Technical Sales), and Akash Suhanda (Commercial Sales). The three-day conference brought together industry heavyweights including Chevron, Chevron Oronite, TotalEnergies, Lubrizol, Yunigreen, and Orlen Oil – providing invaluable face-to-face opportunities to strengthen partnerships, explore market trends, and align on our strategic vision for West Africa and beyond. These moments of direct collaboration – sharing insights, challenging assumptions, and building relationships – are what drive our continued growth in the base oils sector and reinforce our commitment to delivering exceptional value across our global markets. Building the future of base oils together.
🤝 Strengthening Our Nigeria Presence
3 February 2026 We were delighted to welcome our Senior Leadership Team from GLB Chemical Services Limited, Gapuma Group’s Nigerian subsidiary, to our London headquarters this week. Prakash Ramchandani (Managing Director), Thompson Longe (Technical Sales), and Akash Suhanda (Commercial Sales) are with us for four days of intensive strategy sessions and product training. On Tuesday, Jing Jing Lim from Chevron joined us for an in-depth product training session on Group 2 Base Oils, followed by strategic discussions on how we grow our distribution partnership in Nigeria; expanding our market penetration and delivering exceptional value to our customers across West Africa. These face-to-face sessions are invaluable; sharing insights, challenging assumptions, and aligning on our vision for the Nigerian market – that virtual meetings simply can’t replicate. During their visit the team will also attend the Argus Global Base Oils Conference; a gathering of more than key 400 decision-makers from across the international value chain shaping the future of base oils and lubricants. Great collaboration between our teams in London and Lagos – building the future of our Nigerian operations together.
Gapuma Explores New Opportunities in Sierra Leone
14 October 2025 On Monday, 13th October, Yanish Bhageerutty, Business Development Manager at Gapuma Group, attended the Sierra Leone Investment Forum, hosted in London by Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer LLP. Sierra Leone is actively reshaping its economic landscape — strengthening regulatory frameworks, deepening institutional capacity, and positioning itself as an increasingly attractive destination for both domestic and international investment. These reforms are laying the foundations for sustainable, long-term growth across a spectrum of high-potential sectors. Organised by British International Investment (BII) in partnership with the Government of Sierra Leone, the Forum showcased a suite of investment-ready projects and highlighted emerging opportunities in agriculture, manufacturing, financial services, energy, infrastructure, and tourism. The event received support from ARIA, the British High Commission Freetown, Invest Africa, Invest Salone, Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer LLP, and the National Investment Board of Sierra Leone. Framed under the theme “Ready for Investment, Open for Partnership,” the Forum convened senior representatives from the governments of Sierra Leone and the United Kingdom, development finance institutions, and leading private sector investors. Participants exchanged insights, explored successful case studies, and identified pathways for deeper collaboration within Sierra Leone’s evolving and increasingly dynamic investment environment.
Gapuma in Côte d’Ivoire
23rd September 2025 Our Business Development Manager, Yanish Bhageerutty, has recently completed another successful visit to Côte d’Ivoire – a market where Gapuma continues to strengthen its presence and contribute meaningfully to long-term growth. For more than a decade, Côte d’Ivoire has stood out as one of Sub-Saharan Africa’s most dynamic economies and a genuine regional hub. Its success reflects sustained growth, solid macroeconomic fundamentals, and an ambitious shift away from dependence on raw commodity exports towards value-added industry and services. The country’s progress has also been shaped by the resilience and ingenuity of its private sector. While challenges remain – including a large informal economy and the need for broader inclusion – Côte d’Ivoire is firmly positioned for continued transformation. Recent indicators underline this trajectory. The country has recorded some of Africa’s strongest sustained growth rates, averaging around 8% between 2012 and 2019, and maintaining momentum despite global headwinds. Diversification is accelerating across industry and services, inflation remains comparatively low at 3.8% in 2024, and fiscal stability is improving. Côte d’Ivoire also holds a recognised leadership role in trade and investment within ECOWAS, supported by strategic investments in education and skills that are building the human capital needed for the next phase of development. Territorial inequalities and climate risks continue to present challenges, but the overall outlook remains positive and forward-looking. We are proud that Gapuma is contributing to this progress. And with Yanish pictured by the restored Abidjan Lagoon, proudly wearing his Gapuma G-shirt, the symbolism is unmistakable: a revitalised Côte d’Ivoire and a company committed to reaching places where others cannot.
Strengthening Partnerships in Colombia
21 August 2025 Gapuma’s LATAM Business Development Manager, Monica Bernal, recently completed a successful visit to Colombia, reinforcing our presence across this dynamic market. The trip involved close collaboration with colleagues and partners, including Luis Felipe Quintero, LATAM Account Manager from our Swiss office; Mike Short, Consultant from London; Luis Guillermo Olarte, former exclusive agent in Colombia now focusing on clients in Medellín and the Caribbean coast; and Juan Manuel Gonzalez, recently appointed agent for Bogotá and Cali. Together, they engaged across a wide range of sectors, demonstrating both the maturity and growth potential of the region. This visit strengthened relationships with senior industry figures and reaffirmed Gapuma’s commitment to providing the highest standards of professionalism and service in Colombia and across LATAM. On a lighter note, Monica also embraced local culture—posing beside the Shakira statue in Barranquilla, the singer’s hometown. A memorable stop in a productive journey! Gapuma looks forward to further collaborations across the region. For all your LATAM requirements, do not hesitate to reach out.