Celebrating the very best individual and corporate contributions to the continent’s energy sector, nominations for the 30th Anniversary Edition of the Big Five Board Awards, sponsored by Rhino Resources, are now open.

Serving as the grand finale to the Africa Energies Summit, the 30th Anniversary Edition of the Big Five Board Awards marks a major milestone for the African energy industry - celebrating three decades of excellence, innovation, and leadership across the continent’s dynamic upstream sector. Since their inception, these awards have become a defining symbol of recognition, honouring the individuals, projects, and companies driving Africa’s upstream transformation. This landmark year not only celebrates the pioneers shaping the industry today but also reflects on three decades of remarkable progress, partnership, and growth. As Africa continues to unlock new opportunities, the 30th Big Five Board Awards stand as a powerful tribute to the vision and resilience of the individuals, companies and government entities that continue to fuel the continent’s energy future.

Award Categories

• Elephant Award Distinguished Individual Contribution to the African Energy Industry
• Lion Award Distinguished Corporate Contribution to the African Energy Industry
• Leopard Award Africa’s Independent Player of the Year
• Rhino Award Africa’s NOC/Regulator of the Year
• Buffalo Award Africa’s Service & Supply Company of the Year
• Africa’s Legend Award Special Category
• Leading Women in Energy Recognising Pioneering Leadership
• Emerging Leaders in African Energy Rising Star Award
• African Energy Financier of the Year Powering Growth and Innovation
• African Energy Legal Excellence Championing Legal Excellence in Africa’s Energy Sector
• African Energy Investment of the Year Accelerating Transformational Investment Across Africa
• Local Impact Driving Positive Change in African Communities

Nominations close on 13th March 2026

Find out more and nominate here   l   KeyFacts Energy Industry Directory: Frontier