Gambia’s Cany Jobe Wins Top African Energy Award In London

The Gambian female celebrated petroleum engineer and Director General of the Petroleum Commission of The Gambia, Ms Cany Jobe, has bagged another award at the just concluded Africa Energies Summit held in London, demonstrating her competence and recognition in the global energy industry.

She was announced the winner of the Leading Woman in African Energy Award at the 30th Anniversary Edition of the Big Five Board Awards, held during the grand finale of the Africa Energies Summit.

The award recognises her pioneering female leadership in Africa’s energy sector.

The multiple award-winning energy expert was nominated alongside distinguished industry figures, including Acting CEO of the Petroleum Commission of Ghana, Emeafa Hardcastle; Vice President for Exploration at Shell, Nisrine Al Kadi; and Special Adviser on Energy to the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Olu Arowolo Verheijen.

In her acceptance remarks, Engr. Jobe said the recognition was profoundly meaningful, not only because of the award itself, but because of what it represents. She noted that it recognises the role of women in shaping Africa’s energy future through leadership, policy, regulation, exploration, investment and national development.

She accepted the award with gratitude, humility and a deep sense of responsibility, dedicating it to her fellow nominees and to girls and women everywhere — both those on the margins and those in leadership positions.

Cany Jobe was appointed Director General of the Petroleum Commission in January 2026 by President Adama Barrow and has over 18 years of international experience across the oil and gas value chain.

She holds a Master’s degree in Engineering from the University of Western Australia and a Master’s degree in International Project Management from Glasgow Caledonian University.

Prior to her appointment, she served as Director of Exploration and Production at the Gambia National Petroleum Corporation, where she was instrumental in upstream strategy development, data management and engagement with prospective investors.

She has also held positions with regional and international institutions across Asia, Australia, West Africa and America, including roles with China Petroleum Corporation, Venezuela’s PDVSA and the ECOWAS Commission as a national consultant.