Unlocking Africa’s Energy Future: Key Insights from the East African Petroleum Conference
Just back from an intense and rewarding two weeks in Sub-Saharan Africa, culminating in an exceptional experience at the East African Petroleum Conference and Exhibition in Dar es Salaam. 🇹🇿. It was an honour to address His Excellency Philip Isdor Mpango, Vice-President of the United Republic of Tanzania, following the conference's official opening by the inspiring President Samia Suluhu Hassan.
Neil Borthwick, Director of Sales at Frontier, echoed this sentiment, highlighting the immense opportunities present in the region:
"An incredible week in Dar es Salaam 🇹🇿 at the 11th East African Petroleum Conference & Exhibition (EAPCE 2025), representing Frontier | Opening Doors in Energy to Get Deals Done! It was a fantastic few days of engaging with East African governments, industry leaders, and key stakeholders—discussing how we can support the region’s energy ambitions at the upcoming Africa Energies Summit in London. A particular highlight was meeting H.E. Dahir Shire Mohamed, Minister of Energy for the Federal Republic of Somalia, and his team to explore Somalia’s upstream objectives and how we can shine a spotlight on E&P investment opportunities in the country. The message from the conference was clear: Africa is ready to take its oil & gas sector to the next level! Exciting times ahead, and I’m honoured to be part of such a dynamic industry."
Sharing some highlights from the event, including insightful discussions with the East African nations on their licensing rounds and the investment opportunities available in the upstream sector.
I had the privilege of delivering a talk on “Global Licensing: Moving Rapidly Through a Closing Window“ where I explored licensing round dynamics across Africa and globally, along with best practices to enhance outcomes. Key takeaways from my presentation included:
✅ Africa’s vast untapped resources - critical to explore and develop.
✅ The urgency of the ‘closing window’ - maximising opportunities before they diminish.
✅ Building investor confidence - both in-country and in the licensing process.
✅ Implementing best practices - to optimise results and attract investment.
✅ Structuring well-run licensing rounds - to yield the best possible outcomes.
✅ The role of direct negotiation - for unique scenarios requiring tailored approaches.
✅ Competing in a crowded global market - ensuring Africa remains a top investment destination.
✅ The impact of licensing rounds on the future - shaping sustainable and prosperous energy sectors.
NEW! For more in-depth analysis on Licensing taking place worldwide in 2025/26 I refer you to our recently updated Report, produced in partnership with the highly respected global scouting company Enverus titled ‘Global Licensing Rounds: Assets on the Block Second Edition' can be requested here free of charge, and is a must-read for any upstream stakeholder: Request your copy!
A heartfelt thank you to everyone for your incredible warmth and hospitality especially our generous hosts. Looking forward to continued collaboration and progress in the region!
