Big Five Board Awards 2025

29th Edition

The Big Five Board Awards have the distinction of being the longest-running African-centric oil & gas awards. Year after year they succeed in their original objective, to celebrate the very best individual and corporate contributions to the continent’s energy sector. 

Award Categories

Elephant

Distinguished Individual Contribution to the African Industry

Honouring an individual whose vision, leadership, and dedication have left an indelible mark on Africa’s oil and gas industry, the Elephant Award recognizes unparalleled contributions that have shaped the sector’s growth and sustainability. 

Lion

Corporate Contribution to African Petroleum & Excellence

Celebrating organisations that exemplify excellence and innovation in African petroleum, the Lion Award highlights companies whose strategic initiatives and impact continue to propel the continent’s oil and gas industry to new heights. 

Leopard

Best Independent Player In Africa

The Leopard Award applauds independent players who have demonstrated agility, resilience, and exceptional performance in exploring, producing, or investing in Africa’s diverse energy landscape. 

Rhino

Best African National Oil Company

Recognising outstanding achievement in driving national energy goals and fostering development, the Rhino Award honours the African National Oil Company that has demonstrated leadership, innovation, and commitment to Africa’s oil & gas. 

Buffalo

Best Service & Supply Company

The Buffalo Award acknowledges service and supply companies that have consistently delivered excellence, reliability, and groundbreaking solutions to support Africa’s oil and gas operations. 

Africa’s Legend Award

Reserved for an icon whose enduring legacy has shaped Africa’s energy industry, Africa’s Legend Award celebrates those whose achievements and transformative influence continue to inspire and impress the industry 

Nominations Now Open!

Celebrating the very best individual and corporate contributions to the continent’s energy sector, nominations for the 28th Big Five Board Awards are now open! 

Last Year’s Winners…

  • Fatoumata Sanogo, CEO of Petroci

  • Eni

  • Impact Oil & Gas

  • NAMCOR Namibia

  • TGS

  • His Excellency Tom Alweendo, the Minister of Mines and Energy of Namibia

Sponsorship Opportunities

Discover the partnership opportunities available with the 2025 Big Five Board Awards, and request a copy of the sponsorship prospectus for 2025 to see how your company can get involved.