The African Energy Chamber (AEC) has unveiled its highly anticipated list of Africa’s Top 40 Movers and Shakers to Watch in 2025, with US President Donald Trump leading this year’s lineup.
The list features a dynamic mix of leaders, policymakers, innovators and corporate executives driving transformative change across the continent’s oil, gas and energy industries.
The annual list celebrates individuals at the forefront of advancing Africa’s energy potential, reshaping narratives, overcoming challenges and championing investment and sustainability in their respective domains.
Trump’s influence on US foreign policy is poised to impact Africa’s energy sector significantly.
His stance on fossil fuels and support for American companies could reshape the relationship between the US and Africa, fostering strategic opportunities for energy investment and challenging global policies on financing oil and gas projects.
Other notable heads of state on the list include Mozambican President Daniel Chapo and his Ghanaian counterpart John Mahama who are both working to advance their countries’ energy projects and attract investment.
South Sudan’s Petroleum Minister Puot Kang Chol faces the critical task of revitalising the country’s oil production, navigating sanctions and attracting international investment.
In Uganda, Minister of Energy and Mineral Development Ruth Nankabirwa Ssentamu is steering major projects like Tilenga and Kingfisher to first oil by 2025.
Meanwhile, Angola’s Mineral Resources, Petroleum and Gas Minister Diamantino Azevedo, continues to position the country as a leading oil and gas market through reforms and low-carbon strategies.
North Africa’s energy landscape also features prominently on the list.
Khalifa Abdulsadek, Libya’s Minister of Oil & Gas, is leading efforts to boost production through a new licensing round and ambitious projects.
Rachid Hachichi, CEO of Algeria’s Sonatrach, is expanding gas production and strengthening energy ties with Europe and Turkey.
“This list represents Africa’s brightest minds and boldest leaders. From driving infrastructure projects to creating enabling policies, these figures embody the resilience and innovation required to propel Africa’s energy transformation,” AEC executive chairman NJ Ayuk said.
“The accomplishments and strategies of the 40 Movers and Shakers will be critical to addressing industry challenges and harnessing opportunities for the continent’s growth.”
In the private sector, Claudio Descalzi, CEO of Eni, is advancing key projects across Africa, while Katrina Fisher, Managing Director of ExxonMobil in Angola, is recognized for driving new exploration and balancing production growth with local empowerment.
Jean-Michel Jacoulot, CEO of Trident Energy, and Meg O’Neill, CEO of Woodside Energy, are also highlighted for their strategic roles in shaping Africa’s energy future.
Other private sector leaders include Ahonsi Unuigbe of Petralon Energy, Nosa Omorodion of SLB Nigeria, and Edson dos Santos of Etu Energias, who are driving expansion and innovation across the continent.
In the financing arena, Benedict Oramah, President of the African Export-Import Bank, and Rene Awambeng, Founder and Managing Partner of Premier Invest, are leading efforts to bridge Africa’s energy investment gap.
JN/APA