One of the things I enjoy most about convening World Energies Summit | The World’s Premier Global Upstream Conference | 29th - 30th September 2026 is the opportunity to spend time with governments, regulators and upstream leaders from all over the world.

Welcome to The Surge, as we cut through the noise to tell you what actually matters in global upstream; the thinking shaping the market, the deals and rounds worth watching, and where you can join the conversation in person.

There is a huge amount happening across Asia Pacific at the moment, and one of the things I've enjoyed most while building the World Energies Summit has been speaking directly with governments and regulators across the Asia Pacific region about where they see the next wave of investment coming from and what strategies they are deploying to attract new players.

I once read that if you want to learn, write about it. That's one of the reasons I enjoy this weekly newsletter - it encourages me to explore the topics shaping our industry and learn from some of the best minds in the business.

It was an energising week in Aberdeen for the EAGE (European Association of Geoscientists and Engineers) Annual 2026 where we had the opportunity to engage with the global geosciences community under the warm glow of the hospitality of the EAGE team and the city of Aberdeen.

As I turn my attention globally in preparation for the World Energies Summit promised by team a note on key Licensing Rounds to watch in H2 and as luck would have it, it makes a perfect CEO Brief for the week for me to share with you too.

As industry convenor of the 9th Africa Energies Summit, and having spent the week moderating discussions and speaking privately with governments, operators, investors and technical leaders from across the world, these are my reflections on the major themes shaping Africa’s upstream sector today.

As we make the final preparations for the 9th Edition of the Africa Energies Summit | Africa’s Premier Global Upstream Conference | 11th - 14th May 2026, it would be remiss of me not to focus on Africa this week.

At our recent Frontier’s Upstream Insights discussion titled "New Frontiers: The Next Guyana", we set out to examine one of the most important questions in global exploration today: where will the next major frontier success come from?

Reflecting on reconnecting with old friends and making new ones; it is surely the people that make this industry special and unique, coupled with the profound and enduring strategic importance of hydrocarbons to the engine of global growth and wealth creation.

Reflecting on the timely panel that I moderated at our Global Upstream Leaders Forum in London last week titled Capital Discipline and Energy Security: Where Are Investors Placing Bets in Global Upstream?

As a female Founder, CEO and entrepreneur in the oil and gas industry, I am conscious that I occupy a space where women are still relatively rare.

Recent geopolitical tensions in the Gulf region have once again demonstrated how closely global energy markets are linked to political and security developments, which in my opinion makes the oil and gas industry one of the most interesting to work in.

As I am sure you won't be surprised to hear, this is a question I have been reflecting on a lot recently and discussing with those that I respect including the sage and knowledgeable African I am lucky enough to call my uncle - Dr. Duncan Clarke: What is an African? It is a question that appears simple, yet in reality it is layered, complex and an especially pertinent topic now for the industry.

Through Frontier’s PetroInvest platform, I work closely with governments across Africa and globally to shape and execute their upstream licensing strategies - advising on positioning, investor engagement, and how to compete effectively for international capital.

Africa’s upstream future will not be built by any one organisation or individual. It will be built by governments, regulators, NOC's, indigenous companies, international operators and investors working together with mutual respect and shared purpose.

This week in Luanda, Frontier hosted the Global Upstream Leaders Forum bringing the industry together in the beautiful and vibrant city of Luanda.

As we prepare for the 9th edition of this remarkable gathering that is the Africa Energies Summit, I have once again taken time to reflect on our shared journey across Africa’s upstream sector.

As we step into 2026, I wanted to reach out personally to share a message of support from all of us at Frontier.

I’m delighted to share the release of our World Energies Post-Summit Report, capturing the themes, analysis and actionable insights that emerged from this year’s gathering of global upstream leaders in London.