ABSTRACT
The fourth industrial revolution ushers in an uncontrollable array of digital technologies that have the potential to transform the industrial, economical, and social landscape of society. There have been significant and continuous transformations in the energy sector, particularly the oil and gas (O&G) sector. This chapter reviews and discusses existing and potential technologies that present opportunities for the O&G industry towards a full uptake in the fourth industrial revolution, especially in Africa. Notable technologies discussed in this chapter include artificial intelligence, blockchain technology, remote sensing, and big data analytics in the O&G sector. Despite the tremendous opportunities that digital technologies present in the O&G sector, there exist some challenges that hinder the full realisation of the fourth industrial revolution, especially in Africa. This chapter, therefore, reviews and discusses some salient challenges in the O&G sector and also addresses opportunities for leveraging digital technologies in the sector. Overall, the chapter provides a general insight for practitioners and policymakers regarding the opportunities and challenges of digital technologies into the fourth industrial revolution.
