Heirs Energies Wins Global Oil & Gas Deal of the Year for $750M Afreximbank Financing Breakthrough
Heirs Energies Limited, one of Nigeria’s fast-growing indigenous energy companies, has earned major global recognition after its $750 million Afreximbank-backed financing deal was crowned Oil & Gas Deal of the Year at the EMEA Finance Project Finance Awards 2026 in London. The award highlights the rising influence of African-led energy companies in shaping global finance and investment trends.
The landmark transaction, structured as a dual-tranche Senior Secured Reserve-Based Lending (RBL) facility, is one of the largest ever secured by an indigenous African energy firm. It was designed to support field development, boost oil and gas production, and strengthen Heirs Energies’ long-term growth strategy while maintaining financial discipline.
At the heart of the deal is a strong partnership with the African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank), which helped structure and back the financing. According to company leaders, the recognition reflects growing global confidence in African institutions capable of mobilising large-scale capital for energy development and economic transformation across the continent.
Speaking on the achievement, Heirs Energies CEO Osa Igiehon said the award validates the company’s strategy and the trust placed in it by both African and international financial partners. He noted that the deal demonstrates how indigenous African companies can successfully execute world-class financing structures that drive investment, growth, and long-term value creation.
Executive Director and CFO Samuel Nwanze added that the financing marks a key milestone in the company’s evolution, shifting from acquisition-driven funding to a more sustainable capital structure aligned with its reserve development plans. He also emphasized that the recognition reinforces Heirs Energies’ position as a major player in Africa’s energy future, particularly after boosting output at OML 17 to over 50,000 barrels of oil per day and significantly increasing gas production.
source: arise