Frontier CEO Brief: The Art of Getting It Right, Learning Together in New Energy Frontiers
Entering the oil and gas sector for the first time is never simple. For governments, it means balancing sovereignty and competitiveness; for investors, aligning ambition with complex political realities. Both sides face a steep learning curve - and as this new and fabulous report from our partners at Horizon Engage Engage shows, success depends on how well they learn together.
"Learning Curve: How New Producers and Investors Find Common Ground" explores four emerging producers - Côte d’Ivoire, Israel, Suriname and Vietnam - each offering lessons in how collaboration, clarity and responsiveness drive progress. The common thread is unmistakable: the nations that listen, consult and adapt are the ones attracting capital and confidence.
Côte d’Ivoire: Listening First, Leading Later
Côte d’Ivoire demonstrates how engagement can drive credibility and investment. Under President Alassane Ouattara, the government has adopted a more open approach - consulting investors before reshaping mining and petroleum codes, rather than imposing change from above.
By contrast, neighbours like Mali have opted for unilateral reform and driven partners away. Côte d’Ivoire’s willingness to pause, consult and revise shows political maturity and a long-term view. Horizon Engage rightly notes that this model, blending pragmatism and professionalism, is delivering results. With Ouattara expected to remain in office, investors can expect continuity - and confidence - to deepen.
Israel: From Confusion to Confidence
Israel’s transformation from energy importer to exporter was never smooth, but it offers a powerful lesson in how clarity creates confidence. The early rush to develop the Tamar and Leviathan fields was followed by years of uncertainty as policymakers scrambled to fix outdated laws.
The breakthrough came with the 2015 “gas arrangement,” which finally brought structure and predictability. As Horizon Engage observes, once the rules were clear - and remained stable - Israel’s gas industry flourished, even amid political turmoil and regional conflict. The takeaway is timeless: governments don’t need perfection, just consistency and clarity. Investors will fill in the rest.
Suriname: Earning Trust, Not Just Investment
Suriname’s emerging oil story (as it starts pumping oil in 2028) highlights the importance of doing things the right way, not just the fast way. A successful agro-processing venture that worked closely with local communities has become a model for responsible investment. In contrast, a recent bauxite deal rushed through without transparency triggered protests, political tension and public distrust.
As Horizon Engage points out, credibility is the cornerstone of progress. For Suriname’s oil and gas ambitions, the priority now must be to build partnerships grounded in fairness, consultation and respect for institutions. Trust takes longer to build than a pipeline - but it lasts far longer too. I am looking forward to hearing from Vandana Gangaram Panday on my panel at World Energies Summit | The World’s Premier Global Upstream Conference | 29th - 30th September 2026 to talk about the challenges and opportunities they see ahead.
Vietnam: When Agility Becomes Policy
Vietnam’s approach to energy investment is defined by responsiveness. After years of reform, Hanoi now operates with a rare blend of discipline and flexibility. As Horizon Engage notes, officials meet investors regularly, and regulations evolve quickly when barriers appear.
This pragmatic spirit has helped turn Vietnam into one of Asia’s most attractive energy markets. The government’s recent updates to the Power Development Plan (PDP8) and its introduction of direct power purchase agreements reflect a willingness to adapt to global trends. It’s a reminder that in today’s world, being nimble can be every bit as valuable as being resource-rich.
Partnerships That Learn and Last
Across all four countries, the message is clear: governments and investors succeed when they approach each other as learning partners. Governments that invite input build legitimacy; investors that respect local context build longevity. What worked in one basin, one decade ago, won’t automatically work today.
Learning Is the Real Resource
The learning curve never really ends. Nations evolve, investors adapt, and the best partnerships grow through dialogue and shared understanding. Horizon Engage’s report reminds us that the most valuable asset in the energy sector isn’t always buried underground - it’s the capacity to listen, learn and adjust.
In a rapidly changing energy world, that ability may be the defining competitive edge for both governments and investors alike.
That's my take anyway. Get your own copy of the Report here
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