Heirs Energies $750m financing wins “Deal of the year” award

Heirs Energies Limited, an indigenous integrated energy company, has been recognised on the global stage after its landmark $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 was presented last week in London and recognises one of the largest financings secured by an indigenous African energy company.

Commenting on the recognition, Osa Igiehon, Chief Executive Officer of Heirs Energies, said:

“This recognition reflects the confidence that African and international financial institutions continue to place in Heirs Energies, our strategy, and our long-term vision.

The transaction demonstrates that indigenous African energy companies can successfully structure and execute world-class financing solutions that support investment, growth, and value creation. We are proud to receive this award and grateful to our financing partners, advisers, and stakeholders whose support made it possible.”

The Executive Vice President, Global Trade Bank at Afreximbank, Haytham ElMaayergi, said: “We are truly honoured that the $750 million dual-tranche Senior Secured Reserve-Based Lending facility for Heirs Energies has been recognised as Best Oil & Gas Deal of the Year by the EMEA Finance Project Finance Awards.”

According to him, the recognition underscores the importance of well-structured, Africa-focused financing in supporting indigenous energy companies with strong governance, high-quality assets and clear long-term growth plans. He praised Afreximbank for supporting the transaction saying it 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.

In similar vein, the Executive Director and Chief Financial Officer of Heirs Energies, Samuel Nwanze, added: “This award validates the strength of the transaction and the confidence our financing partners placed in Heirs Energies. The facility was designed to support our long-term growth strategy, enabling continued investment in field development, production optimisation, and sustainable value creation. We are pleased to see the transaction recognised on such a respected global platform.”

Stakeholders agreed that the financing represented a major milestone in Heirs Energies’ evolution from acquisition-led financing to a capital structure aligned with the long-term development profile of its reserves. It further reinforced the Company’s position as a leading indigenous energy producer and demonstrated the ability of African institutions to finance transformational African businesses.

The EMEA Finance Project Finance Awards recognise outstanding transactions across Europe, the Middle East, and Africa, celebrating excellence, innovation, and impact in project and structured finance.