TheCable

Mohammad Barkindo, secretary general of the Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC), will be honoured with the “Africa Oil Man of the Year” award, at the Africa Oil and Power conference in September.

The theme for the 2018 edition of the conference, “Energy Coalitions”, will focus on Africa’s growing role in OPEC, and the efforts by global institutions, governments and the private sector to collaborate on developing Africa’s energy institutions.

Barkindo will receive the award at the Energy Coalitions dinner and will present the keynote address as part of the annual conference, which will hold in Cape Town, South Africa.

Appointed as secretary general of the oil cartel in August 2016, Barkindo was chosen as the “perfect recipient” of the award for his role in steering the global oil market to stability through the signing of three landmark OPEC agreements.

“In times of volatility and uncertainty, the industry needs leaders who ensure cooperation between strong and vital energy institutions,” said Guillaume Doane, chief executive officer of Africa Oil & Power.

“In this context, His Excellency Barkindo is the perfect recipient of the Africa Oil Man of the Year Award, as he has he led the global oil industry through truly historic collaborative efforts that resulted in unprecedented unity amongst producing countries.

“We are honored to present him this award.”

Gabriel Lima, chairman of Africa Oil & Power’s advisory board said: “The secretary general has demonstrated remarkable leadership in steering OPEC through difficult times and proving to everyone again that if you want to go far, you go together.

Before his appointment as OPEC secretary general, Barkindo has served in various capacities, including being the national representative for the cartel for 15 years, after which he served as group managing director of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation for one year.