For three decades, the Big Five Board Awards have set the benchmark for excellence across the African upstream industry, elevating professional reputation and showcasing board-level leadership on the biggest stage.

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.

The willingness of major industry figures like Terry Gebhardt of Woodside Energy to share their strategies on our stage is exactly why delegates attend.

If you know Gayle Meikle, you know one thing for certain; her commitment to putting Africa’s upstream opportunities firmly on the global stage is relentless.

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

As always, John Ardill, VP Global Exploration at ExxonMobil, delivered outstanding insight at last year’s World Energies Summit.

Africa’s upstream sector continues to undergo a transformation. These are exciting times and those in the know understand that the strategic choices taken today are set to influence the industry’s development trajectory for decades ahead.

Africa Upstream 2026:  A New Map of Opportunity - Blocks, Rounds  & the Next Wave of Potential

Bid rounds in Egypt, Algeria, and Libya are reaching heights not seen since 2000, attracting majors, independents, and NOCs alike. 

Frontier’s Regional Leaders use their expertise and networks to foster engagement, build stronger relationships, and drive collaboration across Frontier’s global community.

Bringing together Africa’s energy leaders, the Africa Energies Summit offers a unique platform for companies operating across the Continent. 

Frontier’s Regional Leaders use their expertise and networks to foster engagement, build stronger relationships, and drive collaboration across Frontier’s global community.

At this time of year, a message of hope hits home for us all – and this message, which follows our latest donation to Gogo Olive, is one to warm everyone’s heart.

Welcome to the December edition of The Surge.

Africa’s upstream future is evolving, and the decisions made today will define its growth for decades.

The Zambezi Meeting Zone is where many of the Africa Energies Summit’s most impactful and transformative conversations begin.

Frontier’s Regional Leaders use their expertise and networks to foster engagement, build stronger relationships, and drive collaboration across Frontier’s global community.

Balancing opportunity, risk, and long-term value – these were the main points discussed by our expert panel, ably hosted by Patrick Rutty of Enverus.

ExxonMobil’s Global Opportunities Offshore Manager for Exploration & New Ventures, Ivan Almeida, is a valued contributor to our Global Summit agendas; he understands the international upstream landscape better than most.

We are delighted to announce that global technology leader, SLB, returns as Showcase Theatre Sponsor for 2026 - marking the fourth consecutive year of this valued partnership.