This year’s MSGBC Oil, Gas & Power 2025 conference and exhibition celebrated a year of transformation in the region’s energy sector and concluded its first day with a gala dinner and awards ceremony on December 9th. As Senegal and Mauritania enter a new chapter as oil and gas producers and the broader MSGBC basin accelerates investment in hydrocarbons, renewables and green hydrogen, the evening recognized outstanding leaders, companies and institutions who are helping shape West Africa’s evolving energy landscape.
“MSGBC, we are here,” said Senegal’s Minister of Energy, Petroleum and Mines, Birameh Souley Diop, adding: “What we discuss tonight may shape the future of Senegal. We are writing a page in history.”
Senegalese oil and gas engineering services company Gorée Offshore Senegal received the Local Content Excellence Award for its exceptional contribution to building the country’s capacity. As a homegrown engineering services company, Goree Offshore Senegal has become a reliable partner for major operators, recently signing agreements with MODEC, Woodside Energy and Subsea 7 for the Sangomar oilfield project and the Greater Tortue-Ahmeim LNG development. Under the revised Petroleum Law, Senegal aims to increase production in Sangomar, expand domestic processing and maximize local profits, and Goree Offshore Senegal stands out for creating highly skilled jobs, promoting knowledge transfer and supporting national self-sufficiency.
The Ministry of Energy of Guinea-Conakry has been awarded the Renewable Energy Pioneer Award. The country has emerged as a regional clean energy leader through large-scale hydropower developments such as Suapiti (450 MW) and Amalia (300 MW), expansion of solar infrastructure including an 84 MW clean power generation project, and an ambitious electrification and modernization program targeting universal access by 2030.
The Green Hydrogen Recognition Award has been presented to Tagiya Abeydelahmane, Director of Low Carbon Hydrogen at Mauritania’s Ministry of Energy and Petroleum, for driving one of the most ambitious green hydrogen strategies in the world. Backed by a pioneering national hydrogen code and a clear government roadmap, Mauritania is partnering with major developers on multi-gigawatt projects such as AMAN (30 GW), Nour (10 GW) and Megaton Moon (60 GW). These efforts aim to rebuild the region’s energy system and position the country as a global hub for green hydrogen, ammonia and low-carbon industries.
The Industry Women Pioneer Award was presented to Canny Jobe, Director of Exploration and Production at Gambia National Petroleum Corporation, in recognition of her exceptional leadership, technical expertise and long-standing contribution to Africa’s upstream sector. Ms. Jobe has emerged as one of West Africa’s most influential geoscience and exploration leaders, championing frontier basin development, driving collaborative initiatives, and advancing opportunities for women across the energy value chain.
As the region moves toward a new era of energy growth, integration and sustainability, the 2025 MSGBC Oil, Gas and Power Award winners exemplify the leadership that will drive that momentum. Their results highlight the growing global profile of the MSGBC basin and strengthen the conference’s role as a catalyst for innovation, collaboration and long-term development.
“At MSGBC, at the end of the day, it’s the people that really matter,” said NJ Ayuk, Executive Chairman of the African Energy Chamber. “It’s about the people. I want to thank Petrosen for hosting this evening. They have big vision, they have big goals, and they have the audacity to want to achieve them. It’s this kind of ambition that has become important to MSGBC.”
