Big Five Board Awards 2026
30th Edition of the Longest-Running African Focused Upstream Awards
The Big Five Board Awards, the longest-running in Africa’s oil and gas sector, celebrate outstanding leaders each year. Recognise excellence!
In Partnership with
30th EDITION!
30th EDITION!
Mark your calendar - The Big Five Board Awards Ceremony takes place on the evening of 14th May 2025!
Serving as the grand finale to the Africa Energies Summit, the 30th edition of the Big Five Board Awards marks a major milestone for the African energy industry - celebrating three decades of excellence, innovation, and leadership across the continent’s dynamic upstream sector. Since their inception, these awards have become a defining symbol of recognition, honouring the individuals, projects, and companies driving Africa’s energy transformation. This landmark year not only celebrates the pioneers shaping the industry today but also reflects on three decades of remarkable progress, partnership, and growth. As Africa continues to unlock new opportunities and lead the conversation on sustainable development, the 30th Big Five Board Awards stand as a powerful tribute to the vision and resilience that continue to fuel the continent’s energy future.
Big Five Board
Awards 2025 Categories
ELEPHANT AWARD
Distinguished Individual Contribution to the African Energy Industry
Honouring an individual whose vision, leadership, and dedication have left an indelible mark on Africa’s oil and gas industry, the Elephant Award recognizes unparalleled contributions that have shaped the sector’s growth and sustainability.
LION AWARD
Distinguished Corporate Contribution to the African Energy Industry
Celebrating organisations that exemplify excellence and innovation in African petroleum, the Lion Award highlights companies whose strategic initiatives and impact continue to propel the continent’s oil and gas industry to new heights.
LEOPARD AWARD
Africa’s Independent Player of the Year
The Leopard Award applauds independent players who have demonstrated agility, resilience, and exceptional performance in exploring, producing, or investing in Africa’s diverse energy landscape.
RHINO AWARD
Africa’s NOC/Regulator of the Year
Recognising outstanding achievement in driving national energy goals and fostering development, the Rhino Award honours the African National Oil Company or Regulator that has demonstrated leadership, innovation, and commitment to Africa’s oil & gas.
BUFFALO AWARD
Africa’s Service & Supply Company of the Year
The Buffalo Award acknowledges service and supply companies that have consistently delivered excellence, reliability, and groundbreaking solutions to support Africa’s oil and gas operations.
AFRICA’S LEGEND AWARD
Special Category
Reserved for an icon whose enduring legacy has shaped Africa’s energy industry, Africa’s Legend Award celebrates those whose achievements and transformative influence continue to inspire and impress the industry
Nominations Opening Soon!
Celebrating the very best individual and corporate contributions to the continent’s energy sector, nominations for the 30th Big Five Board Awards open soon!
Big Five Awards Timeline
Nominations Open: TBC
Nominations Close: TBC
Top 50 Big Five Leaders Announcement: TBC
Peer Voting: 12th - 14th May 2026
Awards Ceremony: 4:00 PM until Late, 14th May 2026
2025 Big Five Board Award Winners…
Join the ranks of excellence in Africa’s Energy Sector
-
John Ardill, ExxonMobil
-
Azule Energy
-
Rhino Resources
-
ANPG, Angola
-
TGS
-
H.E Diamantino Azevedo, Minister of Mineral Resources and Petroleum of Angola
Lorenzo Meciani, Senior Exploration Advisor, Eni - 2025 Big Five Board Awards, Platinum Sponsors
Read the full Press Release here: Frontier Announces Winners of 29th Big Five Board Awards 2025
Big Five Board Awards 2026 Sponsorship Opportunities
Discover the opportunities available with the 2026 Big Five Board Awards, and request a copy of the sponsorship prospectus for 2026 to see how your company can get involved.
Big Five Board Awards
Photo Gallery - 1996 to 2025