L-R: Nnamdi Azubuike, AVP, Corporate Finance & Commercial Operations, and Pascal Eva, VP, Finance, Heirs Energies, at the EMEA Finance Project Finance Awards 2026 in London, where the company’s landmark US$750 million financing transaction was recognised as Best Oil & Gas Deal of the Year.
Heirs Energies Limited has secured international recognition after its US$750 million dual-tranche Senior Secured Reserve-Based Lending (RBL) facility was named Best Oil & Gas Deal of the Year at the EMEA Finance Project Finance Awards 2026.
The award, presented in London on 3 June 2026, places the transaction among the most significant energy financings involving an indigenous African company and highlights growing investor confidence in Africa’s energy sector.
The landmark financing, executed with the African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank), is expected to support Heirs Energies’ field development programme, production optimisation initiatives, and long-term expansion strategy.
The transaction aligns with Heirs Energies Chairman Tony O. Elumelu’s vision of strengthening African participation in the energy value chain by enabling indigenous companies to access global capital and develop the continent’s natural resources.
Chief Executive Officer of Heirs Energies, Osa Igiehon, said the award reflects the confidence of local and international financial institutions in the company’s business model and growth strategy.
“The transaction demonstrates that indigenous African energy companies can successfully structure and execute world-class financing solutions that support investment, growth, and value creation.”
The facility represents a shift in the company’s financial strategy, moving from acquisition-driven funding towards a capital structure designed to support sustainable reserve development and operational growth.
Afreximbank’s Executive Vice President, Global Trade Bank, Haytham ElMaayergi, said the recognition reinforces the importance of Africa-focused financing solutions in enabling energy companies to expand production capacity and contribute to regional energy security.
“This landmark transaction demonstrates how African financial institutions can help mobilise capital for strategic businesses that advance energy security, production capacity and sustainable value creation across the continent.”
Heirs Energies Executive Director and Chief Financial Officer, Samuel Nwanze, said the award validates the company’s financing strategy and the confidence of its partners.
“The facility was designed to support our long-term growth strategy, enabling continued investment in field development, production optimisation, and sustainable value creation.”
Industry analysts view the financing as a significant milestone for Africa’s indigenous energy sector, demonstrating that locally owned energy companies can attract large-scale international funding for strategic projects.
The EMEA Finance Project Finance Awards recognise leading transactions across Europe, the Middle East, and Africa, celebrating innovation, financial structuring excellence, and economic impact.
Business Impact Highlights:
- US$750 million secured through a reserve-based lending facility
- One of the largest financings for an indigenous African energy company
- Supports oil and gas production growth and field development
- Strengthens African-led financing models for strategic industries
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