Welcome to this Special Pre-Africa Energies Summit Edition of The Surge
This month, the focus is firmly on the upcoming Africa Energies Summit® | Africa’s Premier Global Upstream Conference | 11th - 14th May 2026. Have you secured your ticket yet?
As we count down to Africa’s premier global upstream conference, it’s the perfect time to bring you the top 6 reasons why the global upstream industry will be joining us in London next month...
1) A Who’s Who of African Upstream
There are plenty of energy events. Few bring together the right mix of companies. WE DO!
This is the meeting point for the companies, governments and investors actively shaping Africa’s energy future - and for many delegates, it’s where the year’s most important conversations begin.
From 12–14 May in London, the Summit will bring together more than 150 senior speakers and a cross-section of the industry that is difficult to replicate anywhere else.
International oil companies, national oil companies, independents, lenders, advisors and government delegations from across the continent will all be under one roof, focused on one thing: progressing deals and unlocking opportunity.
Our attendee list is a curated who’s who of those who are shaping Africa’s upstream industry. There are no time wasters here – just those with the commitment and authority to shift the dial on upstream development. If you’re looking for decisions – this is where they’re made.
2) Keynote Announcement
We are thrilled to announce that His Excellency, Diamantino Pedro Azevedo, Minister of Mineral Resources, Petroleum & Gas for the Republic of Angola will deliver the Opening Ministerial Keynote Address at the Africa Energies Summit, bringing one of Africa’s most influential energy voices to the stage.
His keynote will set the tone for high-level discussions around investment, energy security and the opportunities emerging across Africa’s oil and gas sector
3) LIMITED TICKET AVAILABILITY
Gala Dinner Delegate Packages Sold Out – What’s Still Available?
The Africa Energies networking programme is, quite simply, outstanding. That’s why the delegate packages which include access to our renowned Gala Dinner, sponsored by ExxonMobil, are already sold out.
4) An Agenda Focused on Commercial Reality
What does it take to produce a conference with industrial impact? A commitment to providing the most insightful sessions across a range of specific formats:
Our Strategic Stage will tackle the big boardroom questions shaping Africa’s upstream outlook
The SLB Showcase Theatre brings a sharper operational and technical lens to the market.
Industry Roundtables foster the candid discussions that rarely happen elsewhere.
With more than 150 speakers already confirmed for London, we’re bringing together a powerful blend of global and regional leaders.
From government ministers and CEOs to technology pioneers and international investors, these are the people shaping policy, accelerating innovation, and directing capital across Africa’s evolving energy landscape.
5) This is Where Africa Governments Meets Global Capital
In a global environment that’s growing more complex by the day, where we convene and how we connect has never been more important.
That’s why, to-date, 34 African government entities have once again chosen London and the Africa Energies Summit as the place to engage with the international upstream community, and in several cases hold country showcases. Anchored by key government participation, our programme unites stakeholders from across the entire upstream value chain for three days of meaningful dialogue, strategic networking, and real progress.
Governments, NOCs and regulators recognise the Summit as the trusted forum in which to tackle the challenges and opportunities facing Africa’s upstream industry. New countries added every day - check out the link below for the most up-to-date information.
WHICH GOVERNMENTS ARE ATTENDING? FIND OUT HERE
6) Big Five Board Awards - 30th Anniversary: An Incredible End to a Remarkable Summit
Big Five Winners at 2025's Ceremony
The Big Five Board Awards, sponsored by Rhino Resources is going to be the most incredible finale to what promises to be the biggest and best Africa Energies Summit yet. This landmark year not only celebrates the pioneers shaping the industry today but also reflects on three decades of remarkable progress, partnership, and growth – and have we got an evening in store for you!
Access is exclusive to our delegates. This is classic Africa Energies networking and worth every moment. FIND OUT MORE.
Sponsors and Partners for 2026
Underlining the Summit’s place in the industry’s consciousness, is this outstanding list of new and returning sponsors and partners. This is the trusted, confidential, deal-driven forum the local and international upstream industry wants to be seen at.
Thank you to every organisation represented in this industry-spanning list.
Download our Latest Industry Reports
Unlocking Exploration and Infrastructure at Scale: North Africa’s Competitive Moment - authored by CH2 Research & Advisory - DOWNLOAD HERE
Rebuilding the Portfolio: Africa at the Axis of IOC Strategy- authored by Summit Industry Insight Partner Enverus - DOWNLOAD HERE
See content credentials
Download and get ahead of the conversation. These reports essential reading for operators, investors, supply chain and policymakers shaping Africa’s next phase - highlighting real opportunities, practical entry points, and the Africa's growing strategic importance in global energy supply.
AND FINALLY...
In the words of our Founder and CEO, Gayle Meikle :
“Africa is no longer being pursued as optional upside; it is becoming central to global exploration strategy to key players but there are difficult and significant challenges which must be overcome.”
The Africa Energies Summit is where those challenges are met and answered – we’ll see you in London next month!
Welcome to our new members this month
Alp Togay Kurum, VP Business Development, Europe & North Africa, KBR
Robert Bose, Chief Executive Officer, Sintana Energy
Knowledge Katti, Director, Sintana Energy
Nicolas Langevin, Head of Strategy & Budget for Africa Exploration, TotalEnergies
Peter Hooper, CCO, Shearwater GeoServices
Tanya Herwanger, Senior Vice President, Strategy & New Markets, Shearwater GeoServices
Irene Waage Basili, CEO, Shearwater GeoServices
Akshai Fofaria, Partner, Head of African Oil & Gas, Pinsent Masons
Angelique Peake, Group Head of Oil and Gas – Namibia, RMB - Rand Merchant Bank
Jonathan Ross, Head of Oil & Gas Coverage – London, RMB - Rand Merchant Bank
Carly Van Der Merwe, Energy Sector Strategist – FNB Premium, FNB Namibia
Reinhard Winsauer, Senior Transactor Investment Banking, RMB - Rand Merchant Bank
Ben Sulaiman, Partner, Hogan Lovells
Lisa Quelch, Partner, Hogan Lovells
Alastair Young, Partner, Hogan Lovells
Scott Macmillan, Managing Director, Invictus Energy
Emilio Moreso Grion, Managing Director of Finances, TECSEP - A Task Synergy Group Company
Liz Williamson, Corporate Business Development, International, Chevron
Alex Permanand, Head of Discovered Resource Opportunities, Business Development, Woodside Energy
Andrew Decet, Head of Corporate Affairs, Woodside Energy
Andy Demetriou, Senior Business Advisor, Woodside Energy
Michael Faust, Head of New Basins Exploration, Woodside Energy
Roy Wallace, Upstream Commercial Negotiator, Woodside Energy
Christopher Jablonski, Director, Commercial, Chevron
Olusoga Oduselu, General Manager, Corporate Affairs, Nigeria Mid Africa, Chevron Nigeria
Paul Bannister, Managing Director, LAB Energy Advisors
Zoe S, Managing Director, EnergiLink
Harry Davis, Exploration & New Ventures Manager, Navitas Petroleum
Dates For Your Diary
📌 12th – 14th May 2026, London, UK
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.
Join us - the global energy community!
