Players from the African energy sector were presented as winners of the African Energy Awards at AEW2023.
The African Energy Week (AEW) 2023 Gala Dinner and Awards Ceremony celebrated the remarkable achievements and pioneering efforts of Africa's leading energy professionals and organisations. Taking place on 17 October in Cape Town, on the eve of the first day of the conference, the awards ceremony served as both a celebration and an inspiration, setting a strong benchmark for others across the continent.
At a time when Africa's energy sector is going from strength to strength, the efforts of the winning companies and individuals are playing a central role. The winners of the AEW2023 prize were :
AEC Lifetime Achievement Award: Namibian President Hage Geingob and Senegalese President Macky Sall
Celebrating individuals who have demonstrated outstanding leadership, innovation and impact in Africa, the AEC Lifetime Achievement Award 2023 honours two African leaders: Hage Geingob, President of the Republic of Namibia and Macky Sall, President of the Republic of Senegal.
President Geingob has been instrumental in shaping Namibia's regulatory environment to make it highly attractive to foreign players. As a result, the country has seen five major discoveries in two years, while a series of projects have been launched in the green hydrogen, mining and infrastructure sectors.
In Senegal, President Sall has shown inspiring leadership, with significant progress being made in the energy sector. The country is expected to produce its first oil and gas next year from the Sangomar and Greater Tortue Ahmeyim fields, while continuing to attract significant investment across the economy.
Prize SE Mohamed S. Barkindo : Keith Hill
Representing the highest distinction awarded to an individual, the SEM Mohamed S. Barkindo Award recognises outstanding and lasting contributions made by individuals to the energy sector in Africa. This year, the SEM Mohamed S. Barkindo Award celebrates the outstanding achievements of Keith Hill, former Chairman and CEO of Africa Oil Corp.
National Oil Company of the Year: Sonangol
Angola's national oil company (NOC) Sonangol has been named the winner of the NOC of the Year 2023 award, in recognition of the company's forward-thinking approach, its commitment to local content and its drive to eliminate energy poverty by 2030.
Gas monetisation award of the year: Congo LNG
Awarded to the company that makes significant progress in monetising the continent's gas reserves, the winner of the 2023 Gas Monetisation of the Year Award is Congo LNG, a company committed to providing sustainable gas to both Africa and the global market.
CEO of the Year Award: Mike Sangster
As executive vice president of investor relations at French energy multinational TotalEnergies, Mike Sangster has been at the forefront of much of the company's success. This year, Sangster won the CEO of the Year award for his ongoing efforts and unwavering commitment to the energy sector.
ESG Leader Award: Oando
In the age of energy transition, environmental, social and governance (ESG) criteria are an essential part of energy development, and Nigeria's Oando PLC is leading the drive to deliver sustainable energy solutions through innovative measures. Oando represented the winner of the ESG Leader Award at AEW 2023.
Leader in Operational Excellence Award: Perenco
Recognising outstanding achievements in operational efficiency, performance and best practice within the energy sector, the Operational Excellence Leader Award 2023 has been presented to Perenco, an independent oil and gas company driving forward sustainable development across the continent.
Media Awards: Iain Essau and Ajong Mbapndah
The AEW 2023 Media Award recognises outstanding achievements in journalism, communication and media coverage. This year's winners included Iain Essau of Upstream. Essau has provided accurate and timely reporting on Africa's energy industry for more than two decades, and his work has played a key role in decision-making across the continent. In addition, Ajong Mbapndah, one of the driving forces behind Pan African Visions, has demonstrated his commitment to providing in-depth coverage of Africa's energy industry.