Congo Investment & Energy Forum 2025 Announces Gala Award Winners

The Congo Energy & Investment Forum’s Gala Dinner, a premier gathering of high-level energy stakeholders, including African Ministers and global energy leaders, took center stage as the winners of the prestigious Congo Energy & Investment Forum in Brazzaville were unveiled.

Lifetime Achievement to the African Energy Industry Award was given to Denis Sassou Nguesso, President, Republic of Congo at the opening of the main event. President Denis Sassou Nguesso is not only the President of the Republic of Congo; he is a visionary leader whose transformative impact is shaping the very future of the nation. By making the oil and gas sector the backbone of the economy, President Nguesso has sparked industrialization, expanded electrification and driven unprecedented job creation. Under his leadership, Congo achieved the milestone of becoming an LNG producer in 2024 and witnessed an impressive surge in oil and gas discoveries, while new players entered the market. International companies have committed millions to hydrocarbon projects, and local firms have significantly scaled up their operations across the entire value chain.

Eni was named Game Changer of the Year.  Eni is revolutionizing Congo’s energy landscape with its groundbreaking Congo LNG project. As the country’s first natural gas liquefaction initiative, Congo LNG has set a benchmark for offshore gas development in Congo. Through the deployment of the Tango FLNG unit and the upcoming Nguya FLNG planned to start operations in 2025, Congo LNG is redefining a new era of energy production in Congo.

TotalEnrgies took home the Explorer of the Year award. TotalEnergies has taken exploration to new heights in the Republic of Congo. Despite facing geological and operational challenges in the Moho-Bilondo offshore block, the company remained resilient, bringing the project online in 2015 and now producing 140,000 barrels per day. In the face of challenging drilling conditions in the pre-salt, TotalEnergies demonstrated that through innovative drilling and a commitment to offshore production, companies can unlock the potential of Congo’s deep-offshore acreage.

Africa Oil and Gas Corporation took home the National Company of the Year Award. As one of Congo’s largest private oil companies, Africa Oil and Gas Corporation has become a major oil supplier through its extensive onshore developments. Operating the Pointe Indienne onshore field, the corporation supplies oil to the CORAF refinery and Djeno terminal via its vast pipeline network. These assets not only support Congolese production, but also solidify Africa Oil and Gas Corporation’s position as a key player in Congo’s oil sector.

AMMAT Global Resources won the Local Company of the Year Award. Independent hydrocarbon producer Ammat Global Resources is revolutionizing Congo’s energy sector, but its impact goes beyond exploration and production. The company has not only promoted local content but cemented it across its operations through a commitment to local inclusion, a drive for capacity building and efforts to promote community outreach. With 85% of the company’s workforce local, Ammat is setting a strong benchmark for international companies operating in Congo.

SLB received the Service Company of the Year Award. SLB is a driving force behind deepwater development and production efficiency in the Republic of Congo. From optimizing offshore operations to enhancing well performance to maximizing recovery rates and increasing efficiency, the company has emerged as a driving force behind the country’s production goals. Going forward, SLB’s commitment to ongoing projects and its dedication to long-term industry growth will not only bolster energy security but support sustainable operations for years to come.

The Lifetime Achievement Award was presented to Sockaht Charles, Former Chief of Cabinet at the Ministry of Hydrocarbons & Former General Director for Upstream at SNPC. Sockaht Charles has been an instrumental force behind Congo’s remarkable oil and gas success, with his visionary leadership shaping policies that have unlocked unparalleled investment and growth. As former Chief of Cabinet at the Hydrocarbons Ministry and former General Director for Upstream at SNPC, he has been at the helm of driving crucial industry reforms that have reinforced the sector’s foundation. His exceptional leadership has been pivotal in advancing Congo’s upstream sector, championing regulatory transformations and paving the way for major developments throughout the country. Through his unwavering dedication and foresight, Sockaht Charles has not only positioned Congo as a dominant oil and gas powerhouse, but has also fueled progress, prosperity, and a brighter, more sustainable energy future for the nation.

These awards recognize the outstanding achievements and contributions of individuals and companies in the Congo’s energy sector.