At its recent three-day dealer conference, bp Southern Africa (bpSA) executives outlined priorities to ignite growth in fuel sales and convenience, building on an economic backdrop of gradually accelerating growth in GDP and consumer spending in South Africa.
The bi-annual conference, which took place in Sun City from 2-3 February, provides an opportunity for bpSA leadership to connect directly with over 500 dealers in the network, outline priorities and deliver practical insights.
Commenting on this important occasion, bpSA CEO, Taelo Mojapelo emphasised the importance of the conference theme, “Ignite”, which marks the third step in the company’s growth vision.
“As we ignite this new phase of growth, we do so with a profound sense of gratitude to those who’ve travelled this road with us. We are not looking to return to business as usual, we are looking to ignite a future of shared innovation and mutual success. What we do matters more than ever as energy demand grows and changes.”
Nicky Weimar, Nedbank Chief Economist, told delegates that the pace of South Africa’s economic growth in the first three quarters of 2025 was almost double that of the same period in 2024. Growth is mainly being driven by consumer spending – which is good news for the fuel retail industry.
Although challenges remain, such as geopolitical pressures, constraints in electricity and logistics and high unemployment, there are several positive developments, she said. The government is pursuing structural reforms, including to inflation targeting, and real disposable incomes are growing faster than inflation, reversing the trend evident in 2023 and 2024. This is partly the result of 150 bps of interest rate cuts, allowable withdrawals from the two-pot pension system, and a stronger rand. However, a faster rate of growth is needed to make a dent in unemployment.
Deputy Minister of Mineral and Petroleum Resources, Phumzile Mgcina, said government was alive to the real pressures confronting the fuel industry, and was committed to accelerating investment and protecting the environment. She highlighted initiatives where government is working with the private sector, including on maintaining local refining capacity.
“We remain steadfast in our determination to grow and transform the fuel sector and ensure that it maintains its rightful place in SA’s development trajectory,” she said.
Nokwanda Khumalo, bpSA’s GM of Mobility and Convenience, urged dealers to “ignite and accelerate progress with trailblazing transformation” in 2026. She outlined the formidable challenges that face the global oil industry, including the prediction that demand for fossil fuels will decline to 2050. However, it is also predicted that fossil fuels will continue to play a major role in energy systems for decades to come.
bpSA has taken a number of steps to adapt to change and transform its business over the past few years to achieve its goal of becoming the most competitive, integrated fuels value chain in South Africa. Its strategic priorities are to high-grade its portfolio and network, redefine convenience, implement an integrated product and supply operating model, and increase bpSA’s share in the B2B space.
Khumalo outlined that these priorities will be brought to life through winning sites, winning energy solutions, a winning loyalty programme and a winning convenience offering.
Since 2023, bpSA has added 25 fuel stations to its network. In 2026, the company plans to open more sites in strategic areas and continue its multi-year site transformation programme. The energy company will also take steps towards its commitment to deliver cleaner fuels, extend its bPOWERd low-carbon battery rental offering to more sites, and continue collaboration with Castrol in offering lubricants.
Khumalo said that bpSA will continue to invest in its loyalty programme, BP Rewards, to retain and grow market share in an increasingly competitive fuel industry. The programme currently has over one million active customers and has already earned industry recognition.
Khumalo’s final message to dealers was to “ignite growth” and “not be comfortable”.
“We have a clear destination, and we intend to partner deeply and meaningfully with our network,” Khumalo said. “Execution is critical – ensuring that our frontline staff give our customers an exceptional experience – and every dealer needs to take personal responsibility for safety on their site.”
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