Frontier CEO Brief: The Big Five Awards 2026 – A Personal Legacy That Lives On

Proud African. Connecting upstream leaders from around the world, promoting energy resources to the global market | Founder & CEO | Energy Leader | Government Advisor | Oxford Blavatnik School of Government Alumni

It means a great deal to me to carry forward the legacy of the Big Five Awards, first established by my uncle, Dr. Duncan Clarke, in Cape Town, and now entering their 30th year. The graphics were of a "certain time", maybe one day we will return to the authentic hand drawn illustrations below?! He loved Africa, our home, and perhaps was one of the first to provide a global platform for the Africa's oil & gas industry. What he instilled in me is something I hold firmly today: that my understanding, drive and passion for my work is my value to the industry. It cannot be manufactured, replicated or imitated - no matter how hard people try or bad actors try to destroy it. It is intrinsic, it is powerful, and it shapes every decision I make and every platform I build. It is my vocation.

To give some context, Dr. Duncan Clarke is one of the best-known names in the upstream oil industry as an advisor to governments and oil companies, the author of a number of books, and founder and chairman of Global Pacific & Partners. In an interview, he once said;

“Resources are not the challenge - leadership is. That is why recognising excellence across Africa’s energy sector matters more than ever.”

And I could not agree more. Today, through the Africa Energies Summit, I am proud to unveil the Big Five Top 50 – Africa’s Most Influential Leaders in Energy. In my mind this is a reflection of the individuals and institutions that go to extraordinary lengths to move forward Africa’s upstream sector - driving investment, enabling projects, and strengthening energy security across the continent day in day out, that deserve recognition from their peers.

The Big Five Board Awards, sponsored by Rhino Resources Ltd, will take place on 14th May in London as part of the Summit. This 30th Anniversary Edition is a landmark moment -bringing together global and African leaders to celebrate excellence across corporate, regulatory, financial and community contributions.

“It is special and meaningful to me personally to continue the legacy of the Big Five Awards, first established by my uncle, Dr. Duncan Clarke, in Cape Town, and now entering their 30th year.

"He left an extraordinary mark on our sector, and it is both a privilege and a responsibility to continue this tradition - bringing together leaders at the Africa Energies Summit in a way that is truly distinctive and has proven difficult to replicate. This platform was created to recognise genuine excellence across Africa’s energy industry - from governments and regulators to corporates, financiers, and individuals delivering real impact across the upstream sector.

"This year’s nominees are a powerful reflection of the strength, resilience and ambition that define Africa’s upstream industry today, and the role it continues to play in shaping Africa’s deals, opportunities and outcomes.”

Big Five Top 50 – Africa’s Most Influential Leaders in Energy

This year’s shortlist captures the full spectrum of leadership.

In Emerging Leaders, we recognise the next generation shaping the sector - from Engr. Olaide Shaw, FNSChE, FNSE, DSc, DBA . driving regulatory reform in Nigeria, to Charles Sangweni strengthening frameworks in Tanzania, Dr Mohamed Radwan accelerating digital licensing in Egypt, and Claudia Napolitano bringing high-impact commercial insight from a major IOC.

Our Leading Women category highlights exceptional leadership from Cany Jobe M.Eng, MIPM , Emeafa Hardcastle , Nisrine Al-Kadi and Olu Arowolo Verheijen - each playing a defining role in shaping policy, partnerships and strategy.

Deal of the Year reflects the scale of capital and ambition moving into Africa. Seplat Energy Plc ’s acquisition of ExxonMobil assets marks a transformational moment for indigenous players. Energean ’s entry into Angola, the Namibia offshore collaboration between TotalEnergies and Galp Energia, and the continued impact of the Egypt Upstream Gateway (EUG) all demonstrate Africa’s growing competitiveness for global capital.

Across the broader ecosystem, we recognise the critical role of financiers, legal advisers and local impact leaders - including Africa Finance Corporation, Standard Bank Group, Standard Chartered and the African Local Content Association (ALCA) - all of whom are enabling sustainable, inclusive growth.

At the highest level, the awards honour those leaders delivering stability, strategy and long-term commitment. Leaders such as Kristian K. Johansen , Madame Fatoumata SANOGO , H.E. Masoud Suleman and Samir BEKHTI are shaping the direction of the sector, while companies including Shell , Chevron , Eni and ExxonMobil continue to anchor Africa’s upstream opportunities in their global portfolios.

We also recognise the strength of independent players and the crucial and central tole of service companies - from Sintana Energy Inc. (TSXV: SEI) (AIM: SEI) (OTCQX: SEUSF) and Oando Energy Resources Inc. , to global technology and service leaders such as SLB , TGS and Halliburton .

Finally, our Africa’s Legend Award recognises those whose impact transcends generations and will be the ultimate honour and recognition - including H.E. Karim Badawi , Austin Avuru, Paulino Jeronimo and Sophie Zurquiyah.

Congratulations to you all. I feel proud to work alongside you and look forward to celebrating with you in May. Read Full Big Five Top 50 Press Release here.

Gayle Meikle, CEO, Frontier Energy Network

Original article   l   KeyFacts Energy Industry Directory: Frontier

Africa Energies Summit® | Africa’s Premier Global Upstream Conference | 11th - 14th May 2026