Welcome to the February edition of The Surge
Welcome to The Surge, where we update you on the latest news from the Frontier Energy Network.
Counting Down to the Ninth Africa Energies Summit
The Africa Energies Summit | Africa’s Premier Global Upstream Conference | 11th - 14th May 2026 was designed to break the mould.
This is where Africa’s upstream leaders connect directly with global investors, partners and policymakers. This is where licensing rounds are unveiled, strategies to maximise production are challenged and refined, fiscal terms are put under the spotlight, capital finds opportunity and real transactions gain momentum.
Every year, our delegates tell us we’ve created an incomparable forum for the genuine development of Africa’s upstream industry and we know the impact this year’s Summit is going to make. If you’ve yet to confirm your attendance, we’ve made it easy for you to make that decision…
What to Expect from a World-Class Agenda
Latest Agenda Now Available Here
This is an agenda built for business. It goes beyond commentary to focus on execution: accelerating upstream growth, unlocking capital, monetising gas at scale, delivering critical infrastructure, strengthening power markets and advancing pragmatic, commercially viable energy transition strategies.
Delegates will benefit from an agenda focused on:
Tangible leads on licensing rounds, farm-ins and M&A
A clearer understanding of fiscal regimes and policy changes in your key countries
Direct access to leaders within regulators, NOCs and governments who actually award licences and shape terms
New relationships with financiers, DFIs, trading houses and banks who are actively placing capital in African energy
Practical ideas on how to deploy technology and data to reduce risk and accelerate timelines
Find out who’s speaking at this year’s Africa Energies Summit
Attendee List Available
As always, the Summit convenes a top-tier line-up of decision-makers; senior government officials, national oil company executives, international operators, independents, financiers and leading service providers.
We know it's valuable to find out who your fellow Delegates will be...Find out here.
Early Bird Delegate Rate Ends 27th February
If you want to understand where Africa’s energy sector is heading and connect with those driving it forward, this is where you need to be.
And those in the know secure their delegate package early. Benefit from our Early Bird Rate – ending later this week – and save over £900.
Frontier CEO Brief: Africa’s Future Will Be Built Through Partnership, Not Division
Seriously worth a read… Ahead of Africa Energies Summit 2026, our CEO, Gayle Meikle, shares her insights drawn from extensive experience in the African upstream sector, highlighting the key conversations and trends expected to take centre stage in London this May.
Governments Attending
African governments are at the heart of the Africa Energies Summit. Their presence is fundamental when it comes to driving meaningful dialogue, high-level networking, and real progress as we shape the continent’s energy future through collaboration and shared ambition.
ANPG Angola, Sonangol E.P., Ghana National Petroleum Corporation, Société Nationale des Pétroles (SONAP), National Oil Corporation of Kenya, National Oil Company of Liberia, National Oil Corporation, ONHYM - National Office of Hydrocarbons and Mines, Ministry of Industries, Mines and Energy (MIME), Groupe PETROSEN, Petroleum Agency SA, Petroleum Upstream Regulatory Authority- PURA, Petroleum Commission, The Gambia
Our Sponsors
A huge thank you to our new and returning sponsors – all of whom understand the power of the Africa Energies Platform.
Join this illustrious list – visit Become a Sponsor for more details.
Global Upstream Leaders Forum
Last month, the Global Upstream Leaders Forum in Luanda brought together senior decision-makers from including the full Board of ANPG Angola, alongside senior representatives from the Ministry, Sonangol, all current operators active in Angola, and a strong showing from new and potential entrants. The seismic and data companies were also very well represented, reinforcing the depth of the technical and commercial dialogue.
Highlights included a forward-looking address from the Secretary of State, an ANPG Executive Board update on Angola’s upstream strategy, and a dedicated Africa Upstream Strategic Discussion, reinforcing Africa’s critical role on the global stage.
Setting the scene for May’s Africa Energies Summit, the overarching theme of all discussion was that Africa’s competitiveness will be driven by pragmatism, collaboration, and stable, commercially attractive environments.
A powerful forum, meaningful discussions, and a strong signal of Angola’s leadership in Africa’s upstream future.
Thank you to our sponsors & partners: ANPG Angola, Chevron , ExxonMobil , Equinor , SLB , Viridien , TGS and TECSEP - A Task Synergy Group Company.
Next up… Global Leaders Forum London
Next month, the Global Upstream Leaders Forum comes to London, convening senior decision-makers for a focused, high-level discussion. The Forum offers a trusted environment to exchange insights, build relationships, and shape strategies that connect global capital with the next phase of upstream growth.
We’re pleased to confirm the support of leading industry partner Viridien, with Group CFO, Jerome Serve, joining the conversation on “Global Capital, Global Strategy: Aligning Finance and Upstream Growth.”
This event is open exclusively to Frontier Energy Network Members and invited guests. Click here to learn more and join this private group
Global Upstream Leaders Forum - dates for 2026:
London, 18th March
Aberdeen, 9th June
Rio De Janeiro, 9th September
Houston, 18th November
World Energies Summit - Where Upstream Leaders Come to Connect
The World Energies Summit | The World’s Premier Global Upstream Conference | 29th - 30th September 2026 is set to be more influential than ever. With strategic conversations among the world’s top upstream executives and exclusive insights, this is where the future of Upstream takes shape. Join us in London, between the 29th - 30th September, and put yourself at the centre of opportunity, strategy, and global deal-making. Find out more and register today to secure your place, taking advantage of our Super Early Bird Rates
Celebrate Leadership. Elevate Your Profile. Enter the 30th Big Five Board Awards!
Marking three decades of excellence in Africa’s upstream sector, the 30th Anniversary Big Five Board Awards are the ultimate recognition for leadership, innovation, and impact in the continent’s energy industry.
Sponsored this year by Rhino Resources, we’re so proud to host this landmark edition of the Big Five as a fitting finale to the 9th Africa Energies Summit, as we celebrate today’s industry trailblazers across our range of categories designed to showcase the most impactful organisations and individuals active across the continent.
Why enter?
Gain prestigious recognition among Africa’s most influential energy leaders.
Showcase your achievements in strategy, governance, and innovation.
Strengthen credibility with investors, partners, and stakeholders.
Join an elite network of pioneers shaping the future of African energy.
Position your company at the forefront of Africa’s energy transformation, submit your entry here and be part of a legacy of excellence.
NEW FOR 2026: Frontier Upstream Insights
Frontier Upstream Insights takes you behind the scenes of the global upstream energy sector. Through in-depth conversations with industry leaders and experts, we explore the trends, challenges, and breakthroughs that are shaping the future of oil, gas, and new energy opportunities. Each episode delivers practical insights and thought-provoking perspectives, helping our audience stay ahead in a rapidly evolving industry.
Join us:
25th March 2026 - New Frontiers: The Next Guyana - 10 Basins Poised for the Next Big Discovery & More…
17th June 2026 - Designing the Perfect Bid Round: What Governments Must Do to Attract Capital in 2026+
7th October 2026 - Sanctions, Conflicts & Energy Security: How Geopolitics is Redrawing the Global Upstream Map
Welcome to our new members this month
Steve Gilchrist , Chief Commercial Officer, Castor Vali
Chindalena Lourenço , Partner, Fátima Freitas & Associados
Paul Godwin , Business Development Manager, EDA, Viridien
Erling Frantzen , Vice President, EAME, EDA , Viridien
Zuo Xu , Business Development Manager - EDA (Multi-Client), Viridien
Simon Cheesley , Sub-Saharan Africa, Earth Data, Viridien
Hari Krishna , Director - Europe, North Africa & Middle East, Earth Data, Viridien
David Spofforth , Global Business Development Director - EDA, Viridien
Joshua Flores , Global Marketing Intelligence & Strategy Analyst, Viridien
Ehab Madkor , Business Development Manager, North Africa and Middle East, Earth Data, Viridien
Mauro Fernandes , Business Development Manager, MedservRegis plc
Scott Gilbert , Chief Executive Officer, Corcel Plc
Geraldine Geraldo , Chief Commercial & Strategy Officer, Corcel Plc
Richard Lane , Chief Operating Officer, Corcel Plc
Chris French , Business Development Executive - Europe, Africa & Middle East, The REACH Group
Jan Pluis , Exploration Manager Latin America, Chevron
Hans Kuehner , General Manager Exploration, Chevron
Charles Fordham , Business Development and Commercial Manager, Chevron
Mamadou M. Blondin Beye , General Manager - Policy, Government & Public Affairs, Chevron
Jane Curtis, Corporate Business Development, Chevron
Kirsteryn G. , Advisor, Sponsorship & Events - MEA, Chevron
Oise Ihonde , Director of Business Development, MODEC
Jimmy Boulter , Regional Manager, Enverus
Patrick Rutty , Director, Global Intelligence, Enverus
Ben Merrett , Director, Enverus
Anne McAfee , Chief Geologist, International Studies, Core Laboratories
Richard Barke, South Atlantic Exploration Manager, ExxonMobil
Katrina Fisher, Country Manager & Managing Director, Angola, ExxonMobil
Claudia Napolitano , Vice President, Exploration Commercial, ExxonMobil
Helio Cumbi , Senior Government Relations Advisor, ExxonMobil
Nic Harker , Exploration Commercial Manager, ExxonMobil
Charles Ballantine , Vice President Business Development Africa, Asia Pacific, Europe, Central Asia, ExxonMobil
Brian Reinsborough , Chief Executive Officer, Reconnaissance Group
Chris Sembritzky , Senior Vice President, Exploration, Reconnaissance Group
Dates For Your Diary
Global Upstream Leaders’ Forum
📌 28th January 2026, Luanda, Angola
Global Upstream Leaders’ Forum
📌 18th March 2026, London, UK
Frontier Upstream Insights: New Frontiers: The Next Guyana - 10 Basins Poised for the Next Big Discovery & More…
📌 25th March 2026 – LinkedIn Live
📌 12th – 14th May 2026, London, UK
Global Upstream Leaders’ Forum
📌 9th June, Aberdeen, UK
Frontier Upstream Insights: Designing the Perfect Bid Round: What Governments Must Do to Attract Capital in 2026+
📌 17th June 2026 – LinkedIn Live
Global Upstream Leaders’ Forum
📌 9th September, Rio De Janeiro, Brazil
📌 29th – 30th September 2026, London, UK
Frontier Upstream Insights: Sanctions, Conflicts & Energy Security: How Geopolitics is Redrawing the Global Upstream Map
📌 7th October 2026 - LinkedIn Live
Global Upstream Leaders’ Forum
📌 18th November, Houston, USA
Interested in Sponsoring with our Global Upstream Leaders Series? Request Our Sponsorship Prospectus!
We hope you enjoyed this edition of The Surge. If you’re not already a Member we hope this has given you an insight into the Frontier Energy Network, and shown you how we connect energy people around the world to make real progress happen.
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