Africa’s Upstream Acreage Rush: Where Operators Are Placing Their Next Bets

Gayle Meikle is Founder and CEO of Frontier Energy Network, a leading platform connecting energy executives, investors, and governments across global upstream markets. With more than 25 years of experience in energy communications, strategy, and business development, she has built Frontier into a respected provider of industry events, advisory services, thought leadership, and executive networking opportunities. A recognized expert in emerging energy markets, Gayle has advised governments on investor engagement and licensing strategies, including licensing rounds in Mozambique and Zanzibar. She is a sought-after speaker on global upstream investment trends, frontier exploration, and energy market development.

Patrick is Director – Global Intelligence at Enverus, where he previously held positions in Technical Sales, Consulting, and Product Management. Before joining Enverus, he spent 26 years working with large and small E&P companies as a member of exploration teams focused on basins in North America, Saudi Arabia, and central Europe, in roles from prospect generation and exploration management to business development and executive leadership. Patrick holds an A.B. in Earth Sciences from Dartmouth College and an M.S. in Exploration and Development Geophysics from Stanford University.

Jimmy Boulter graduated from Imperial College London in 2016 with an MSc in Petroleum Geoscience, after completing BSc in Exploration & Resource Geology at Cardiff University in 2014. He began his coverage of Africa’s oil & gas industry in 2017, joining Enverus as a data analyst. Jimmy currently acts as Senior Regional Manager for Sub-Saharan Africa within Enverus’ Global Scout team, having spent 9 years fastidiously tracking upstream activity across the continent. Through a passion for creativity, collaboration and problem solving, Jimmy works to support Enverus’ industry clients, of all shapes and sizes, ensuring they receive the best market intelligence.

Imran holds a BSc in Petroleum Geology and an MSc in Petroleum Geoscience. Following his postgraduate studies, he gained field experience as a mud logger onshore in Romania. He joined Enverus in October 2020, initially covering North West Europe, before taking on Continental Europe in early 2022 and North Africa in early 2025.