Benefiting From a Renewed Focus
John Blackwell, Director of Supply Chain at former Marathon Oil Company, led the supply chain strategy and played a key role in managing offshore and onshore operations in Equatorial Guinea (EG) while prioritising sustainable practices and fostering local partnerships important to the country’s energy infrastructure and economic stability. In a recent interview with Executive Insight, Blackwell discussed former Marathon Oil’s role in EG and his career journey.
John Blackwell oversaw Marathon Oil’s extensive presence in EG, where the company partnered with entities like EG LNG and Ampco to manage upstream production, ensuring significant contributions to the nation’s economy.
A Proven One-Stop-Shop Logistics Provider
AKON-DONLUIS is a proven and reputable one-stop logistics shop in Equatorial Guinea, proudly 100% locally owned. Our dedicated team of over 45 professionals brings together more than 200 years of cumulative experience in logistics. We offer comprehensive services, including day-to-day import/export activities for the petroleum industry, short-term drilling campaigns, heavy lifts, and expert customs clearance. Our team is committed to providing expert, professional, and reliable service tailored to the needs of your company, organization, or personal requirements.
We place a high priority on safety and compliance with both international and local regulations. Akon-Donluis has been dedicated to maintaining Trace certification for over a decade, ensuring our processes are reputable and compliant. Count on us for smooth and efficient logistics solutions in Equatorial Guinea.
Eliminate transportation & logistics headaches for good.
Luba Freeport Jetty/Quayside
Luba, Equatorial Guinea Bioko Island
225+ Years of Experience in Logistics
45+ Experts are standing by to help you with your next logistics project
16+ Full array of logistics services to Oil & Gas companies in Equatorial Guinea
Akon-Donluis provides the following Services:
Logistics for Oil and Gas companies and their sub-contractors, as well as other industries
Logistics for Drilling Campaigns
Freight Forwarding for inbound and Outbound shipments (import / export + air / sea)
Customs Clearance
Transportation (heavy lifts, general cargo, etc.)
Vessel Agency including Husbandry services
Meet and Greet (airport and sea ports)
Warehousing (including packing)
Logistics Services for all your needs
KM5, Carretera del Aeropuerto Camino a Malabo II Malabo, Equatorial Guinea Bioko Island
+240 (222) 089-046
+1 (954) 805-6450
info@akon-donluis.com
Candy Vista Mar Paseo Maritimo
Bata, Equatorial Guinea
Mainland
Akon-Donluis Logistics Management S.L. in Equatorial Guinea: An Overview of a
Founded just over two decades ago by Luis Ondo, Akon-Donluis proudly supports the local development of skilled staff that meets the expectations of national content requirements and regulations by the Ministry of Hydrocarbons. Starting with just a few staff, over the past two decades, the company has grown into one of the leading local providers of multiple logistic services, proudly employing over 40 staff and providing further employment opportunities for contractors and indirect personnel. Luis Ondo is a renowned businessman across the country; his continued success is due to how he reinvests in the business and his passion for investing in people.
In recent years, the logistics sector in Equatorial Guinea has witnessed significant growth and development, driven by both domestic demand and international trade. Among the key companies in this sector is Akon-Donluis Logistics, which has established itself as a prominent player in providing essential logistical services across the country. This company’s success highlights the increasing importance of logistics in Equatorial Guinea, a small but strategically positioned nation in Central Africa, which has been working to diversify its economy beyond oil and gas.
Key Industry Player
Equatorial Guinea’s economy has long been dominated by oil and gas production and exports, making the country heavily reliant on the energy sector. However, with fluctuating global oil prices and the government’s desire to reduce economic dependency on oil, there has been a concerted effort to develop other industries, including logistics, which play a crucial role in trade, distribution, and infrastructure.
With what we believe is an organisational success story and the focus we have on operational excellence; our company has built a formidable relationship with former Marathon Oil in Equatorial Guinea (MEGPL) since 2018. When the relationship was initiated, we were tasked with handling the customs clearance for their air freight shipments and given our proven track record and exceptional compliance with both local and international law regulators, thus avoiding any fines with Customs Authorities, Marathon Oil soon noticed our world-class services and asked us to take care of their sea freight cargo as well.
We would like to say that we sincerely appreciate the trust instilled in us by MEGPL to handle important areas of their supply chain operations. It has given our staff even more motivation to further improve their own working standards, therefore
increasing the long-term goals in what has been an incredible business partnership.
The logistics sector is essential for the smooth flow of goods and services across the country, which has a unique geography comprising two distinct regions: the mainland (Río Muni) and the islands (Bioko Island and Annobón). The logistical challenges of moving goods between these regions, as well as the international import/export flows, necessitate highly specialized logistical services that are both efficient and reliable. Akon-Donluis Logistics has emerged as one of the top companies filling this niche.
One of the core offerings of Akon-Donluis Logistics is transportation, which encompasses road, sea, and air freight services. The company has a fleet of trucks and partnerships with air and sea transport providers to move goods across the country and internationally. The ability to handle both local transportation and long-distance shipments is crucial in Equatorial Guinea, where infrastructure can sometimes present logistical challenges, especially on the mainland and between the islands.
Navigating customs regulations in Equatorial Guinea can be complicated, and
Akon-Donluis Logistics offers essential support services for businesses looking to import or export goods. This includes customs clearance, documentation handling, and compliance with both local and international trade regulations.
Equatorial Guinea’s oil and gas sector, along with other large-scale industrial projects, often requires specialized logistical support for heavy and oversized cargo. Akon-Donluis has developed expertise in handling such project cargo, ensuring the safe and timely delivery of equipment and materials critical to these industries.
At a critical juncture in Equatorial Guinea’s efforts to modernize its economy, the country’s strategic location along the Atlantic coast and its access to key shipping lanes make it a valuable hub for trade within Central Africa. As Equatorial Guinea moves toward greater diversification, logistics companies like Akon-Donluis are becoming integral in facilitating the movement of goods across borders and ensuring the country can tap into broader regional and global supply chains.
However, this challenge also presents an opportunity. Companies that can overcome the logistical barriers in Equatorial Guinea, such as Akon-Donluis, can capture a significant market share and offer solutions that other companies are not
equipped to handle. Furthermore, as the government continues to invest in infrastructure improvements through its national development plans, logistics providers can benefit from better access to new routes, transport modes, and ports.
With a staff complement that shares over 225 years of experience in the logistics sector and is run by the successful entrepreneur, Luis Francisco Ondo, the outlook for Akon-Donluis Logistics is promising, as the company continues to expand its service offerings and grow its customer base. As Equatorial Guinea diversifies its economy, the demand for logistics services is expected to increase, driven by growth in non-oil sectors such as agriculture, manufacturing, and tourism. The company’s ongoing investment in technology and infrastructure will be key to maintaining its competitive edge and responding to the changing needs of the market.
Furthermore, regional integration and increased trade between Equatorial Guinea and neighboring countries like Cameroon, Gabon, and Congo could provide new opportunities for cross-border logistics services. As the country becomes more integrated into the Central African trade network, logistics providers like Akon-Donluis could play an increasingly important role in facilitating regional trade.
The recent developments
between governments in Equatorial Guinea and Nigeria to build and develop the Gulf of Guinea Gas Pipeline project will enhance economic opportunities for businesses based in the country that operate heavily in the O&G industry. It’s a clear sign that international governments and businesses see the country as a key investment opportunity, and with the business being 100% locally owned and employing mostly local people, this gives a serial entrepreneur like Luis Ondo an opportunity to set up new ventures and further enhance local employment even more.
Akon-Donluis Logistics represents a success story in Equatorial Guinea’s emerging logistics sector. With its wide range of services, commitment to infrastructure, and focus on meeting the needs of local and international clients, the company is positioned to be a key driver of the country’s economic diversification. Despite the challenges, the future looks bright as the company continues to build on its strengths and capitalize on the growing demand for efficient logistics services in Equatorial Guinea. As the country works toward becoming a regional hub for trade and commerce, logistics companies like Akon-Donluis will undoubtedly play an important role in shaping the future of the nation’s economy.
Teamwork, goal setting, and accountability are principles I carried forward into the corporate world.
Blackwell’s journey into supply chain leadership was anything but typical. Starting with an accounting degree, he transitioned into college sports coaching, where he developed core leadership and team-building skills. “My background in sports really shaped my approach,” Blackwell shares. “Teamwork, goal setting, and accountability are principles I carried forward into the corporate world.” Blackwell’s shift to the oil and gas industry brought a steep learning curve, but his adaptability and openness to challenges were instrumental to his success at Marathon Oil. Blackwell relocated to EG and led the local supply chain team for the company, consistently adapting the department to reflect its values and priorities.
One key addition to his team was Rosabella-A. Ndong Chele, former Marathon Oil’s first external national hire in a leadership role. Her expertise brought fresh perspectives to the team and underscored Blackwell’s dedication to building a representative, sustainable workforce. “Hiring local talent like Rosabella was about more than filling a role—it was about developing a workforce that reflected the community we were part of,” he says. This hiring marked a significant milestone in Marathon Oil’s efforts to strengthen its connections within the local community, which Blackwell believes was vital to long-term success in the region.
Local supply chain development was central to Blackwell’s leadership. Drawing on his experience in North Dakota, he aimed to build a resilient, locally anchored supply chain in EG. “We invested in vendors,” he says, providing training to help local suppliers meet standards and fostering a network that benefitted both Marathon Oil and the community.
TOTAL CAPABILITY
SERVICES
• DESIGN & ENGINEERING
• CONSTRUCTION • GEOTECHNICAL DRILLING
• OFFSHORE & ONSHORE SERVICES
• EQUIPMENT & PLANT SUPPLY
• MECHANICAL SERVICES
• MATERIAL TESTING
• REFURBISHMENT
Elite Construcciones S.L. is a highly dependable and capable construction and engineering firm, operating safely to International Standards, specializing in the Gas and Petrochemical Industry.
I want to make my family proud and leave this place better than I found it
Successful partnerships with local suppliers like Certex Africa and BNA highlight Marathon Oil’s extraordinary progress in community engagement. BNA secured key construction projects in Punta Europa, while Certex certifies rigging and lifting equipment. “These partnerships enhanced local economic outcomes and strengthened community ties,” says Blackwell. Although many services were locally sourced, some materials came from nearby countries like Nigeria and Cameroon to ensure availability. Regional partnerships improved efficiency and reduced delivery times, though Blackwell notes there was room to optimise further. “Lead times had improved post-COVID,” he adds.
Technology was central to streamlining Marathon Oil’s supply chain strategy. Early automation in procurement boosted efficiency, while SAP remained the main enterprise tool. Blackwell envisioned AI and data analytics further refining processes. “AI could optimise operations,” he reflects, yet emphasises that technology’s success relies on its users. “Automation was essential, but people drove success,” he says, advocating for tech to enhance—not replace—human expertise. By balanc-
ing tech adoption with staff development, Blackwell prepared Marathon Oil for complex demands.
Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles were integral to Marathon Oil’s operations, and Blackwell is deeply committed to sustainability in Equatorial Guinea. “Sustainability wasn’t just a buzzword for us,” he says. “It’s about accountability to the communities we serve and protecting the environment for future generations.” Key initiatives included the “Books for Bioko” programme, supporting local education, and a malaria prevention partnership with the EG government. Marathon Oil also drilled wells to improve local access to clean water. For Blackwell, these efforts were vital to Marathon Oil’s mission in EG. “It was about giving back in ways that truly improve lives,” he adds.
Marathon also maintained high environmental standards among its suppliers, ensuring they adhered to a strong commitment to sustainability. Suppliers were audited regularly, and Marathon Oil was quick to pause business with those who fall short. “We set the bar high,” Blackwell explains, “because we were all in this together. Our goal was to minimise impact and prioritize sustainable practices across the board.”
Blackwell had spearheaded efforts in recent years to make Marathon Oil’s procurement process more accessible and equitable, creating opportunities for local suppliers. Through dedicated workshops, his team educated vendors on how to participate in tendering, guiding them through the proposal process step-by-step. “Fair competition benefits everyone, from the companies to the suppliers and ultimately the community,” he says. By fostering fair competition, Marathon Oil strengthened its supply chain and boosted the local economy, while Blackwell’s commitment to transparency and support created pathways for new businesses to thrive.
Reflecting on his career, Blackwell’s commitment to leaving a positive legacy is evident. “I wanted to make my family proud and leave this place better than I found it,” he shares. His vision for Marathon Oil in EG—built on local engagement, technological advancement, and sustainability—demonstrated his dedication to responsible leadership in the oil and gas industry. As he prepares for the next phase, Blackwell remains optimistic about the lasting impact of his work and the foundations he has helped build.
Operational Through Growing Excellence
Recently,Executive Insight interviewed Rosabella-A. Ndong Chele, Supply Chain Manager at former Marathon Oil Company subsidiary Marathon Oil Equatorial Guinea Production Ltd. (MEGPL), known for its commitment to operational excellence and local economic development. Chele joined MEGPL in June 2024 after a distinguished 20-year career with ExxonMobil. In this conversation, Rosabella shared insights into her journey.
Rosabella’s transition to former Marathon Oil subsidiary MEGPL followed Exxon Mobil’s departure from Equatorial Guinea after the expiration of its licences. Faced with taking a break or joining MEGPL, she chose the latter, drawn by the opportunity to make a meaningful impact in an organisation that aligns with her values. Her integration into MEGPL was bolstered by her extensive experience and dedication to fostering local partnerships and operational efficiency. For Rosabella, her role at MEGPL represented a unique chance to contribute to her home country in a lasting way.
A cornerstone of Rosabella’s strategy is her commitment to local sourcing, which she considers vital for MEGPL’s success and bolstering Equatorial Guinea’s economy.
Rosabella’s focus was on refining MEGPL’s supply chain operations to enhance agility and resilience. While acknowledging the strong framework already in place, she saw ample opportunity for innovation through advanced inventory management, streamlined procurement, and optimised logistics. Her vision was to create a supply chain that responded swiftly to evolving industry demands while maintaining cost-effectiveness, thereby bolstering MEGPL’s operational capabilities and adaptability in a changing market landscape.
A cornerstone of Rosabella’s strategy was her commitment to local sourcing, which she considered vital for MEGPL’s success and bolstering Equatorial Guinea’s economy. By prioritising local vendors who met MEGPL’s high standards, she aimed to establish a symbiotic relationship that fuelled economic growth, job creation, and long-term sustainability. This approach strengthened MEGPL’s operational flexibility and contributed to building a robust local business ecosystem. Rosabella believes a supply chain rooted in local engagement can yield mutual benefits for MEGPL and the broader community.
Bernardo Nnang Avomo
Bernardo Nnang Avomo founded BNA SERVICIOS (BNA S.L.) in 2013 as a fully Equatoguinean-owned company specialising in engineering, construction, and supply services. Operating across both the mainland and island regions of Equatorial Guinea, BNA provides essential support to industries including oil and gas, civil construction, and IT. “Our vision is to firmly establish BNA as a leading local provider,” says Mr. Nnang, with plans to eventually expand into nearby countries like Cameroon and Gabon.
A pivotal partnership for BNA has been with Marathon Oil, with whom they have collaborated since 2019. Mr. Nnang recalls that the journey began with persistent efforts to demonstrate BNA’s capabilities, and their determination paid off. “We kept proving our commitment to quality until Marathon trusted us with projects,” he explains. This partnership has been instrumental in BNA’s growth, providing opportunities that helped build its expertise and reputation within the industry. Today, BNA is a key Marathon Oil partner, supporting their operations with engineering, construction, and supply services in Equatorial Guinea’s oil sector.
Mr. Nnang attributes BNA’s success to a client-centric approach, which he believes is the foundation of its strong reputation. “We put the client’s interests first, bringing our full resources, knowledge, and dedication to each project,” he says. This philosophy, along with BNA’s local insights and quality-driven approach, has made them a trusted partner for clients. As BNA continues to expand its impact, Mr. Nnang remains committed to upholding the high standards that have made BNA a respected name in Equatorial Guinea’s dynamic market.
CIVIL ENGINEERING, PROCUREMENT & CONSTRUCTION
Construction Services across multiple industry sectors.
Key supply chain partner to MEGPL and supporting their producing assets.
Serving producing assets across Equatorial Guinea.
Providing over 45 skilled personnel for your business contractual requirements.
Focused on safety and professional completion of all projects.
Reflecting on her two-decade-long career, Rosabella’s path is marked by significant achievements that have shaped her leadership philosophy. During her tenure at ExxonMobil, she led initiatives to streamline procurement processes, reduce costs, and enhance supply chain resilience. These experiences underscored the importance of adaptability, teamwork, and innovation, lessons she later applied at MEGPL. Each milestone in her career has reinforced her belief in continuous improvement and collaboration, qualities essential to effective leadership.
Navigating a traditionally male-dominated industry, Rosabella has faced challenges on her path to leadership. Her journey has been one of resilience and determination, and she attributes her success to staying true to her values and demonstrating unwavering commitment. She actively promotes this authenticity and strength philosophy among her female colleagues. Rosabella’s leadership style is grounded in empathy
and inclusivity, fostering an environment where women are empowered to pursue leadership roles. Through mentoring and advocacy, she encourages her female peers to challenge industry norms, believing that resilience and confidence are keys to success in any field.
Highlighting the importance of women leadership, a notable key partner who assisted the EG operations is Elite Construcciones and AWA Oilfield Services. Led by the founder, Ms. Marisol Ovono Nchama, her dedication to standing out amongst the rest and her fearless approach in capital investment built the foundations of an integral service provider for the O&G sector across the country and of course, a long-standing relationship with the former MEGPL operations. These foundations and business aptitude have allowed the development of hundreds of skilled Equatorial Guineans and Marisol looks forward to supporting the operational assets in the future.
PARTNER THAT CARES
Transportation and Logistic Consulting Equatorial Guinea S.A.
“TLC SA”
What we do:
TLC Equatorial Guinea offers logistics solutions to the main players in the Energies, Resources and Infrastructures sectors. Our commitment is to serve our clients better, offering expert advice, and ensuring timely deliveries. We provide global door-todoor delivery through a vast network of international freight forwarders, negotiating the best rates for sea and air freight. We support marine logistics, including vessel agency services, bunkering, and chartering, alongside personalized crew assistance for travel and accommodation. TLC Equatorial Guinea is agent with a permanent presence in Luba free port ltd and long-term partnership with K5.
TLC Equatorial Guinea 3 full-operational offices
• Headquarters in Malabo (EGICO building)
• Office in Luba and Office in Bata
Contact
• Mr. José-Luis Garcia Tarifa
• Country Manager
• Email: management.eg@tlc-com.ch
• Tel: +240 222 591 340
With her extensive experience in Equatorial Guinea’s business landscape, Rosabella brought a unique perspective to MEGPL’s local supply chain development commitment. For her, local sourcing was not merely a business strategy but a pathway to sustainable growth and national advancement. Rosabella aimed to strengthen MEGPL’s supply chain and drive economic progress, create jobs, and empower local communities by fostering partnerships with Equatorial Guinean suppliers.
As a Supply Chain Manager, Rosabella encountered numerous challenges, from fluctuating supply demands to complex regulatory environments. She addresses these issues with a problem-solving mindset, viewing them as opportunities for innovation. Rosabella fostered a collaborative work culture, encouraging her team to share ideas and work together towards creative solutions. This team-oriented approach enhanced efficiency, built morale, and instilled a shared sense of purpose among her colleagues, further strengthening MEGPL’s operational resilience.
Beyond her professional responsibilities, Rosabella, as a native of Equatorial Guinea, feels a strong personal commitment to supporting her community. She believes in Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives that directly benefit residents, particularly in areas like education, healthcare, and infrastructure. To Rosabella, CSR was not an optional add-on but an integral part of MEGPL’s mission. She viewed CSR as an essential extension of her supply chain responsibilities, allowing MEGPL to address community needs while enhancing the quality of life for Equatorial Guinean citizens. Her commitment to CSR reflected her belief that MEGPL’s success should translate into meaningful social contributions.
Under Rosabella’s stewardship, MEGPL’s supply chain was not only well-prepared to meet the demands of the oil and gas industry but was also poised to serve as a driver of positive change in Equatorial Guinea. Her dedication to operational efficiency, local development, and community support positioned MEGPL as a leader in business performance and social impact. Rosabella-Asue Ndong Chele’s journey inspires aspiring leaders, demonstrating how purpose-driven leadership can bring about lasting, positive change.
