Welcome to the May Edition of The Surge
It’s The Africa Energies Edit!
Africa’s Renaissance; Together We Will Achieve More Than If We Go Alone
Awesome; that’s the word. Once again – the Africa Energies Summit has made its indelible mark on the African upstream industry calendar. This edition of The Surge looks back on an outstanding week of connection, exclusive insight, candid discussion and networking which is quite literally industry-renowned.
Everyone we spoke to was clear that the focus of all conversation was on the practical realities of energy security, reserve replacement, long-term supply and global competitiveness.
Across almost every panel and discussion at the Summit, the same message came through loud and clear: Africa is not a future opportunity waiting in the wings; it is already a crucial part of the global energy picture.
Whether you were with us - or wish you had been - we suggest you download the Post-Summit Report for the full picture.
⭐️⭐️SAVE THE DATE: AFRICA ENERGIES SUMMIT 2027⭐️⭐️
Next year is the landmark 10th edition of Africa’s premier global upstream gathering returns to London 11 – 13 May 2027. Make sure you join us - Ultra Early Bird Registration is now LIVE
Making Memories
In the words of our Founder and CEO, Gayle Meikle , the Frontier ecosystem is “growing and united by a passion and desire to help each other unlock Africa’s upstream opportunities in the best way possible for the outcomes of nations: driving development, delivering energy security, and supplying the energy the world sorely needs.”
There’s no better way to encapsulate what that looks like in practice, than by sharing some of the standout images of the week. Check out the Africa Energies Summit 2026 Gallery here.
Thought Leadership at the Summit
Want to know what our delegates took from the Summit and what they think makes the Summit so uniquely effective? Our video gallery features insight from Claudia Napolitano – ExxonMobil , Adriano Bastos – Galp , Kristian K. Johansen – TGS , Osvaldo A. Inácio – Sonangol E.P. , Chindalena Lourenço – Miranda & Associates , Henning Berg – Viridien , Kevin McLachlan – Chevron , Nasir Alfa Mohammed - Petroleum Commission, Ghana , Travis Smithard – Rhino Resources, David Hajovsky – TGS , Nicola Mavilla – TotalEnergies , Robert Bose – Sintana Energy, Scott Macmillan – Invictus Energy , and Cany Jobe – Petroleum Commission, The Gambia
View African Energies Summit – Thought Leadership Interview
Global Upstream Leaders Series Comes to Aberdeen – Sponsored by TGS
Rebalancing the New World Order in an Age of Fragmentation - Where Is Upstream Really Heading?
Speakers include: Daniel Davidson, Frontier, Kevin McLachlan, Chevron - Eugene Okpere, Shell - Jonilton Pessoa, Petrobras, Ariel Flores - bp, Irene Waage Basili - Shearwater.
Rebalancing the New World Order in an Age of Fragmentation - Where Is Upstream Really Heading?
Frontier will bring senior industry figures together in Aberdeen on 9 June for the latest edition of the Global Upstream Leaders Series. Designed as a private gathering for Frontier Energy Network Members and invited guests, the forum creates space for meaningful discussion around upstream opportunity, market direction and the trends shaping the global energy sector.
Held in partnership with EAGE (European Association of Geoscientists and Engineers) Annual 2026 and sponsored by TGS, the event is built around high-value networking and informed conversation. Attendees can expect direct access to decision-makers, insight from across the upstream landscape from our expert panel and the chance to strengthen relationships with industry leaders from around the world in a focused, trusted environment.
If you’d like to join us,find out how to become a Frontier Energy Network Member.
Legendary Event – Legendary Winners: the Big Five Board Awards - 30th Anniversary: An Incredible End to a Remarkable Summit
What a night! As the Summit drew to a close, the landmark 30th Anniversary Edition of the Big Five Awards, headline sponsored by Rhino Resources, once again shone a spotlight on the individuals and organisations shaping Africa’s upstream future. Recognised as one of the industry’s most respected honours, the peer-nominated awards celebrate excellence across corporate leadership, regulation, operations, finance, legal, community impact and individual achievement. They reflect the vital role the African upstream industry continues to play in supporting economic growth and energy security across the continent, as well as its growing impact on a wider geographic landscape.
The winners are:
⭐ Emerging Leaders in African Energy: Engr. Olaide Shaw, Director, Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC)
⭐ Leading Women in African Energy: Cany Jobe, Director General, Petroleum Commission, The Gambia
⭐ African Energy Deal of the Year: Energean
⭐ Africa Energy Legal Excellence: National Oil Company of Liberia — NOCAL
⭐ African Energy Financier of the Year: Standard Chartered
⭐ Local Impact Award: Petroleum Commission, Ghana (GNPC Foundation)
⭐ Elephant Award – Distinguished Individual Contribution: Kristian K. Johansen, CEO, TGS
⭐ Lion Award – Distinguished Corporate Contribution: Eni
⭐ Leopard Award – Africa’s Independent Player of the Year: Murphy Oil Corporation
⭐ Buffalo Award – Africa’s Service & Supply Company of the Year: TGS
⭐ Rhino Award – Africa’s NOC/Regulator of the Year: ANPG Angola
⭐ Africa’s Legend Award – Celebrating Lifetime Achievement and Legacy: Paulino Fernando de Carvalho Jerónimo, CEO, ANPG Angola
Thank you to category sponsors DUG, EXCEED Energy, ExxonMobil, Galp, IHRDC, KBR, ReconAfrica, SLB and TGS
Frontier Upstream Insights – Next Edition
Join us online live on 17th June as we explore what separates a successful bid round from one that struggles to attract attention in today’s highly competitive exploration market.
This session will look at the practical factors that influence investor confidence and participation; from data quality and fiscal terms to regulatory clarity, digital accessibility and the overall ease of doing business. Featuring perspectives from analysts, NOCs and industry specialists, the conversation will focus on how governments can better position acreage, attract the right partners and unlock upstream investment opportunities in 2026 and beyond.
If you’re involved in licensing strategy, upstream investment, policy or business development, you can sign up for this session here.
Dates For Your Diary
Global Upstream Leaders’ Forum
📌 9th June, Aberdeen, UK
Frontier Upstream Insights: Designing the Perfect Bid Round: What Governments Must Do to Attract Capital in 2026+
📌 17th June 2026 – LinkedIn Live
Global Upstream Leaders’ Forum
📌 9th September, Rio De Janeiro, Brazil
📌 29th – 30th September 2026, London, UK
Frontier Upstream Insights: Sanctions, Conflicts & Energy Security: How Geopolitics is Redrawing the Global Upstream Map
📌 7th October 2026 - LinkedIn Live
Global Upstream Leaders’ Forum
📌 18th November, Houston, USA
Interested in Sponsoring with our Global Upstream Leaders Series? Request Our Sponsorship Prospectus!
We hope you enjoyed this edition of The Surge. If you’re not already a Member we hope this has given you an insight into the Frontier Energy Network, and shown you how we connect energy people around the world to make real progress happen.
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