Ms. Cany Jobe Receives Leading Woman in African Energy Award at Africa Energies Summit 2025
At the Africa Energies Summit held in London in November 2025, Gambian petroleum engineer Ms. Cany Jobe was honored with the Leading Woman in African Energy Award. The accolade was presented during the 30th‑anniversary edition of the Big Five Board Awards, a ceremony that celebrates outstanding leadership and innovation across the continent’s energy landscape.
About the Award and the Ceremony
The Leading Woman in African Energy Award recognizes female professionals who have demonstrated exceptional influence in shaping policy, driving investment, and advancing technical expertise within Africa’s oil and gas sector. This year’s nominees included:
- Emeafa Hardcastle – Acting CEO, Petroleum Commission of Ghana
- Nisrine Al Kadi – Vice President of Exploration, Shell International
- Olu Arowolo Verheijen – Special Adviser on Energy to the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria
Ms. Jobe’s selection underscores her growing stature among peers and her commitment to fostering inclusive leadership in an industry historically dominated by men.
Professional Background and Expertise
Appointed Director General of the Gambia Petroleum Commission by President Adama Barrow in January 2026, Ms. Jobe brings more than 18 years of international experience across the upstream, midstream, and downstream segments of the oil and gas value chain. Her career highlights include:
- Director of Exploration and Production, Gambia National Petroleum Corporation – where she led upstream strategy development, data‑management initiatives, and investor‑engagement programs.
- Technical advisor roles with the China Petroleum Corporation, PDVSA (Venezuela), and the ECOWAS Commission, providing regional policy guidance and project‑management support.
- Academic credentials: a Master’s degree in Engineering from the University of Western Australia and a Master’s in International Project Management from Glasgow Caledonian University.
These qualifications and experiences have equipped her to navigate complex regulatory environments, attract foreign direct investment, and champion sustainable practices within Gambia’s emerging hydrocarbon sector.
Acceptance Speech and Vision for the Future
In her acceptance remarks, Ms. Jobe emphasized that the award represents more than personal achievement:
“This recognition highlights the vital role women play in steering Africa’s energy future—through leadership, policy formulation, regulation, exploration, investment, and national development.”
She dedicated the honor to her fellow nominees and to girls and women worldwide, urging continued mentorship and equitable opportunities for those aspiring to enter the energy field.
Why This Matters: E‑E‑A‑T Signals
Experience – Ms. Jobe’s extensive multinational career provides practical, hands‑on knowledge of both technical and managerial aspects of the energy industry.
Expertise – Her advanced engineering and project‑management degrees, coupled with senior leadership roles at national and regional institutions, demonstrate deep subject‑matter authority.
Authoritativeness – Being selected alongside high‑profile nominees from Ghana, Shell, and Nigeria’s presidential advisory team signals industry‑wide respect for her contributions.
Trustworthiness – The award is administered by the Big Five Board Awards, an established platform with a transparent nomination and judging process, further reinforcing the credibility of the recognition.
Looking Ahead
As the Gambia Petroleum Commission continues to develop its regulatory framework and attract investment for offshore blocks, Ms. Jobe’s leadership is expected to play a pivotal role in aligning national objectives with global best practices. Her recent accolade not only celebrates past accomplishments but also positions her as a catalyst for future advancements in Africa’s energy transition.
