Africa is expected to more than double its share in the global natural gas market by 2050 while increasing its renewable energy capacity fourfold by 2030. Concurrently, the continent’s greenfield spending will boom in the coming decade, reaching $37 billion by 2025 and $50 billion by 2030. This growth underscores both the potential of the continent’s energy market and the commitment of companies to maximise its resources.
On the back of this growth, the continent’s largest energy event – African Energy Week (AEW): Invest in African Energy – has announced the nominees for this year’s award ceremony. Taking place during the event week from 4 to 8 November, the award ceremony recognises the companies that are spearheading the development, innovation and growth of Africa’s energy industry.
ESG Leader of the Year
With environmental, social and governance (ESG) principles at the forefront of Africa’s natural resource development, this award recognises champions that protect and promote local populations while ensuring fair and safe operations. It honours outstanding achievements and leadership in embedding sustainability principles and responsible business practices within the sector, showcasing a commitment to environmental stewardship, social responsibility and robust corporate governance.
The nominees are:
Service Provider of the Year
The Service Provider of the Year Award celebrates an exceptional service provider that has demonstrated outstanding commitment and innovation in supporting Africa’s energy industry. The award honours service providers that have demonstrated a deep understanding of the industry’s challenges and opportunities, offering tailored solutions that drive efficiency, productivity and sustainability in the energy sector.
The nominees are:
Deal of the Year
The Deal of the Year Award recognises the most transformative and impactful deal in the energy sector – honouring excellence in negotiation, strategic alignment, innovation and collaboration – and celebrates deals that drive advancements in energy and economic growth.
The nominees are:
- Renaissance Africa Energy – Shell Petroleum Development Company acquisition in Nigeria
- Gabon Oil Company – Assala Energy acquisition in Gabon
- Oando PLC – AGIP acquisition in Nigeria
- Etu Energias – acquisition of Galp Energias’ offshore blocks in Angola
Local Content Champion of the Year
This award celebrates an organisation that has demonstrated exceptional dedication and success in promoting and implementing local content initiatives in Africa’s energy sector. The award recognises champions that have gone above and beyond to ensure the benefits of the energy industry are shared equitably, fostering inclusive growth and prosperity across the continent.
The nominees are:
Reformer and Change-Maker of the Year
This esteemed award honours a government or public sector entity that has demonstrated exceptional leadership and commitment to reforming the energy sector in Africa. It recognises the efforts of governments and public sector institutions that have driven change, fostering an enabling environment for energy growth, economic development and social progress.
The nominees are:
- South African National Energy Development Institute
- Ministry of Hydrocarbons, Republic of the Congo
- Ministry of Mineral Resources, Oil & Gas, Angola
- Ministry of Mines and Energy, Namibia
- Ministry of Petroleum and Mineral Resources, Egypt
E&P Leader of the Year
Recognising outstanding leadership and innovation in upstream exploration and production, this award honours individuals driving new production and discoveries in Africa’s energy sector. Nominees demonstrate exceptional vision and operational excellence in unlocking the continent’s hydrocarbon potential.
The nominees are:
Gas Monetisation Award
This award recognises companies and projects revolutionising gas monetisation in Africa to bridge the energy poverty gap. It honours innovative strategies and successful commercialisation efforts that demonstrate outstanding leadership in maximising the value of gas resources.
The nominees are:
Geoscience and Data Management Project of the Year
This award recognises outstanding projects that have demonstrated excellence in geoscience and data management, contributing significantly to the advancement of Africa’s energy sector. The award honours projects that have set new standards in subsurface understanding, data-driven decision-making and digital transformation, paving the way for a more sustainable and prosperous energy future in Africa.
The nominees are:
- TGS/PGS
- Shearwater
- Viridien Group (formerly CGG)
The AEW: Invest in African Energy Award winners will be announced during this year’s award ceremony. African Energy Week is the platform of choice for project operators, financiers, technology providers and government, and has emerged as the official place to sign deals in African energy.
