AEW 2026 will provide a platform for Senegal to engage investors as it builds on recent upstream successes, advances domestic gas utilization and expands the infrastructure needed to support long-term energy security and industrial growth.

Minister Diouf assumed office in June 2026 following the formation of Senegal’s new government. As head of the Ministry of Energy and Petroleum, he is leading efforts to accelerate upstream development, expand domestic gas utilization and strengthen the regulatory framework supporting long-term investment. His appointment comes as Senegal transitions from hydrocarbon explorer to producer, seeking to leverage new oil and gas output to improve energy security, reduce fuel import dependence, lower electricity costs and support industrialization.

The Sangomar offshore oil field exceeded production expectations in 2025, producing 36 million barrels, while exports reached approximately 3.8 million barrels in January 2026 alone. Operator Woodside Energy is evaluating a second phase of development that could further increase production. At the same time, the Greater Tortue Ahmeyim LNG project continues to ramp up operations while supplying 35 million standard cubic feet of gas per day to Senegal’s domestic market. In April, national oil company Petrosen secured full ownership of the Yakaar-Teranga gas field, home to an estimated 25 trillion cubic feet of gas that will underpin the country’s long-term gas monetization and gas-to-power strategy.

Beyond upstream development, Senegal is investing heavily in the infrastructure needed to monetize its gas resources domestically. Earlier this year, Petrosen launched its first independently operated $100 million onshore exploration campaign, while the government continues advancing plans for a proposed 400-km domestic gas pipeline network to connect offshore gas production with industrial consumers. As part of its objective to generate 75% of installed power capacity from natural gas, Senegal is also expanding gas-fired generation through projects including the conversion of the existing 335 MW Bel Air power plant and the construction of a new 366 MW gas-fired power plant.

Alongside these investments, Senegal is strengthening the policy framework underpinning long-term sector growth. This year, the government advanced reforms to its local content regulations aimed at increasing domestic participation across the petroleum value chain while adopting its first national standards for solar photovoltaic equipment. Together, these initiatives reflect Senegal’s strategy of leveraging natural gas development alongside renewable energy expansion to support sustainable economic growth.

“Senegal is entering an exciting new phase of energy development, backed by world-class oil and gas resources, ambitious infrastructure investments and progressive regulatory reforms. Minister Diouf’s participation at AEW 2026 provides investors with a timely opportunity to engage directly with the leadership shaping one of Africa’s most dynamic energy markets,” says NJ Ayuk, Executive Chairman of the African Energy Chamber.

At AEW 2026, Minister Diouf is expected to participate in high-level discussions on upstream investment, gas monetization, energy infrastructure and regional energy cooperation, highlighting Senegal’s growing role as one of West Africa’s leading investment destinations.

“Over the past decade, the API Awards have become the definitive mark of peer recognition in African real estate and hospitality, judged not by sponsors or popularity, but by the industry leaders who understand these sectors best,” says API Events Commercial Director Murray Anderson.

“In this, our 10th edition, new categories let us recognise a wider field, from the boldest new capital commitments to the assets proving their performance over the long term. Ours is an industry moving decisively from ambition to delivery, and these awards exist to honour both,” he adds.

A distinguished panel of industry luminaries will adjudicate each category, honouring the projects, professionals and institutions that set the standard for innovation, sustainability and lasting impact.

This year’s event introduces a new Performance & Legacy category – celebrating enduring impact – alongside new awards spanning the Development, Personnel, and Service, Tech & Innovation.

Recognition that lifts profiles – and attracts investment

The awards have significantly lifted winners’ profiles with the heavyweight investors, developers and financers who convene at the summit, and the broader real estate and hospitality industries.

Nedbank Corporate and Investment Banking (CIB) was named 2025’s Best African Real Estate Bank of the Year, recognised for its deep property finance expertise and ability to structure and execute complex transactions across South Africa and the wider continent.

“Winning the 2025 API Awards, alongside EDGE recognition from the IFC, reflects the collective expertise, commitment and execution capability of our Property Finance team,” says Gerhard Zeelie, Divisional Executive: Property Finance Africa. “The awards reinforce the importance of pairing strong commercial delivery with long-term sustainability and client-focused outcomes.”

Octodec’s Yethu City was deservedly named 2025’s Best New Affordable Housing Development due to its pairing of genuine affordability with considered design, PropTech integration and a community-focused co-living model.

“The most compelling developments blend meaningful social impact with commercial viability. Yethu City succeeded by deeply understanding its target market and executing with discipline – authentic purpose, proven by delivery, is what makes a project stand out,” says Jeffrey Wapnick, CEO of Octodec Investments Limited.

Entries and nominations are welcomed from across Africa, with a closing date of 31 July. Click here to enter (https://apo-opa.co/4eVnuSi).

The 2026 categories

Development

• Best New Affordable Housing
• Best New Residential (Mid-Market) *New
• Best New Upmarket Residence *New
• Best New Mixed-Use / Precinct Development
• Best New Office Development (Building)
• Best New Office Fit-Out (Occupier)
• Best New Hotel / Hospitality Development
• Industrial, Logistics & Alternative Assets
• Best New Redevelopment / Refurbishment
• Best New Safari / Lodge Development *New

Personnel

• Advisory Consultant of the Year *New
• Asset Manager of the Year *New
• Sales Team of the Year
• Architectural Team of the Year *New
• Newsmaker of the Year *New
• Public Sector Real Estate Leader of the Year
• African Real Estate Leader of the Year (formerly CEO)
• Outstanding Woman in Real Estate

Service, Tech & Innovation

• Best African Real Estate Bank of the Year
• Best Transaction/Deal of the Year
• Hospitality Consulting & Advisory Partner of the Year *New
• Facilities Management Team of the Year
• Most Innovative PropTech Company of the Year

Performance & Legacy *New

• Best Performing Retail Asset
• Best Performing Office Asset
• Best Performing Mixed-Use Asset

Cornerstone Valve has joined the Angola Oil & Gas (AOG) Conference & Exhibition 2026 as an Associate Sponsor, reinforcing its commitment to supporting Angola’s fast-growing oil and gas sector. The event takes place on September 9–10 in Luanda, with a pre-conference day scheduled for September 8, bringing together regulators, operators, service providers and investors to drive partnerships and investment across the industry.

Cornerstone Valve specializes in valve automation, actuation and flow control solutions, providing products and services that support complex industrial operations across the oil and gas value chain. The company’s portfolio includes automated valve packages, control systems and engineered solutions designed to enhance safety, improve system efficiency and optimize asset reliability in demanding operating environments.

The company’s participation at AOG 2026 comes at a pivotal time for Angola’s oil and gas sector. The country is pursuing an ambitious strategy to sustain crude production above one million barrels per day while expanding natural gas monetization and downstream capacity. Major upstream developments, including deepwater projects, brownfield optimization campaigns and frontier exploration, are creating new opportunities for technology providers capable of supporting high-performance operations.

As Angola’s premier oil and gas event, AOG 2026 serves as a strategic platform for companies to engage with decision-makers, showcase solutions and strengthen commercial partnerships. Cornerstone Valve’s sponsorship underscores the growing role of engineering and technology providers in supporting Angola’s next phase of oil and gas development.