H.E. Sophie Gladima, Minister of Petroleum and Energies, Senegal.
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Energy Capital & Power (ECP) is proud to announce the launch of an award ceremony at the first-ever MSGBC Oil, Gas & Power 2021 conference and exhibition. The ceremony – which took place on 16 December – celebrated the achievements made by individuals and energy companies in the MSGBC region’s energy space, with specific attention granted to project success, local content, and sector excellence.
The MSGBC region boasts some of Africa’s biggest oil, gas and renewable resources, with a number of large-scale project developments taking off in recent years. Notwithstanding developmental success, MSGBC energy advancements have served as a catalyst for enhanced economic growth, with energy sector expansion driving progress across multiple industries across the region.
The awards were presented by NJ Ayuk, Executive Chairman of the African Energy Chamber and foremost advocate for African energy development, who delivered a passionate speech on his vision for the future of the region:
“For you to be here and for you to keep going, it’s a source of pride. We are not supposed to be ashamed of this industry, we are not supposed to be ashamed for changing human civilization, for developing the resources of Guinea Bissau Mauritania, Senegal, Gambia, Guinea and all the other frontiers that we have helped change and drive towards growth and wealth for the benefit of the Africans in all corners of the continent,” the business leader stated.
Mauritania was praised with the Energy Sector Excellence, Reliability & Outstanding Customer Service award, while Guinea Bissau was the winner of the Oil & Gas Project Milestones Achieved category. Senegal was commended for its Extraordinary Achievements in Achieving Local Content Utilization, an award H.E. Minister Gladima received with gracious words:
“The Basin is a family. We have other things that bring us together like is water, and other resources. There is so much that makes us brothers and sisters. Let’s hold hands and work together to develop our countries,” the minister said.
A very special life achievement prize was awarded to Rogers Beal, a landmark figure in Senegal’s and the region’s energy sector and the founder and leader of Senegal’s only natural gas producing company, Africa Fortesa.
“Rogers is our father. When I first came to Senegal it was Rogers that I met at Petrosen’s data centre. Without him we would never have thought of pursuing this dream of oil and gas. It was him who inspired a generation to believe that our country had more than anyone believed before him. For that, I thank you,” Minister Gladima stated as the room celebrated Mr. Beal’s homage.
The event itself took place during the Gala Dinner that closed the first day of the MSGBC Oil, Gas and Power Conference and Exhibition in Dakar, and was sponsored by Woodside, the operator of the Sangomar mega-project, which promises to propel Senegal to oil-producer status by 2023.
As host of the dinner, the Managing Director of Woodside Senegal, Andy Demetriou, delivered a lightning short speech that encapsulated the company’s ambitions in the region:
“Woodside will be the one to produce Senegal’s first barrel!” Mr. Demetriou affirmed to an exclusive audience of national and foreign ministers, secretary-generals, CEOs, MDs and VIPs, that together represent both the present and the future of the MSGBC’s region energy ambitions.
Judges for the award ceremony included BP, Woodside Energy, SENELEC, and the Ministry of Petroleum and Energies of Senegal. By putting together a selection based on each category, the judges selected the winners of the first-ever MSGBC Oil, Gas & Power 2021 awards.