Author image: Gayle Meikle 

Africa’s upstream future will not be built by any one organisation or individual. It will be built by governments, regulators, NOC's, indigenous companies, international operators and investors working together with mutual respect and shared purpose. Progress depends on professionalism, open dialogue and a collective commitment to long-term success.

As an African myself, this is deeply personal. I remain profoundly optimistic about power of the oil and gas industry as a growth engine because I have seen firsthand the capability, seriousness and integrity of the leaders within it. I am especially proud that a third of my team are African nationals, whose passion, insight, professionalism and commitment strengthen everything we do. For a small team, Frontier has a seismic impact - connecting global capital with African opportunity as well as upstream opportunities worldwide and supporting the partnerships that enable investment to flow into the upstream sector.

Over the years, some of my clients have described me as a lioness. I have always taken that compliment to heart, as a lioness represents: leadership within the pride, protection of her people, strategic focus and delivery, resilience and courage. A lioness does not retreat when challenged. She protects what matters and continues her work with quiet strength.

I will not be deterred from the mission of connecting upstream leaders, promoting African opportunity, and supporting serious, professional engagement across this sector. I am not afraid of standing firmly for what is right, for partnership, for a continent where everyone is welcome, and for Africa’s right to compete and succeed on the global stage. As someone reminded me of recently, an old African proverb;

“A lioness does not concern herself with the opinion of sheep.”

Over the past year, through Frontier’s work across Angola, Namibia, Nigeria, Egypt and beyond, I’ve had the privilege of witnessing firsthand how Africa’s upstream is progressing. What stands out most is that the momentum is not being driven by any one company, government or institution acting in their own interests. It is being built through partnership, sometimes even between competitors, between regulators and investors, between local and indigenous companies and international operators, and between strong African leadership and global capital. Where those partnerships deliver, investment follows. Its a stark reminder that we achieve more together than acting alone.

This message was captured powerfully by Alcides Andrade, Executive Board Member of ANPG Angola at Frontier's recent Global Upstream Leaders Forum in Luanda;

"Together, we can build a legacy that can not only illuminate the continent, but also the world. With these words, it remains to reiterate the congratulations to Frontier, as well as to wish success in all of your endeavours throughout the year."

“The world needs African energy leadership… Africa should not be seen simply as a supplier of raw materials, but as a strategic partner.” 

It is words and sentiments like these, from our incredible government partners, that motivate me each morning to continue leading Frontier and supporting the industry in unlocking investment and advancing Africa’s upstream future (with a strong coffee!).

Angola provides one of the clearest examples of what alignment between regulator and industry can achieve. Over the past five years, ANPG Angola has worked consistently with operators to improve fiscal terms, introduce incremental production legislation and maintain open dialogue and the results are tangible. Redevelopment projects are progressing, international operators are extending the life of mature assets, and indigenous companies such as Etu Energias are expanding their position in the sector. These developments reflect deliberate leadership and a shared commitment to making projects commercially viable. Confidence has tangibly grown because investors can see that regulator and industry are working toward the same long-term objective.

Namibia’s offshore discoveries were enabled not only by geology, but by institutional consistency and trust. The Ministry of Industries, Mines and Energy (MIME) built credibility over many years through transparent engagement and professional regulatory processes. That foundation allowed companies to commit capital to high-risk frontier exploration with confidence. The result has been transformative for Namibia’s global positioning. I am proud that Frontier was there at the beginning, responsible for providing a platform for Namibia to talk to investors, before the serious interest that prevails today.

In Egypt, sustained dialogue through initiatives such as the Egypt Upstream Gateway (EUG) and ongoing licensing activity has reinforced investor confidence in North Africa and the Mediterranean. Continued engagement between the Ministry of Petroleum and Mineral Resources - Egypt and industry has ensured that data access, transparency and responsiveness remain central to attracting capital, despite the challenges. 

Across these markets, the lesson is consistent: partnerships and alignment deliver. At this juncture on the cusp of the 9th edition of the unique Africa Energies Summit, I remind myself of this;

"Africa’s opportunity is real. Its leadership is strong. And its future will be built, not on division, hate, corruption - but togetherness, a collective mission and partnership."

I look forward to continuing these conversations at the 9th Africa Energies Summit® | Africa’s Premier Global Upstream Conference | 11th - 14th May 2026, where leaders from across Africa and the global upstream sector will once again come together to connect, collaborate and get deals done. 

KeyFacts Energy Industry Directory: Frontier