A distinguished reporter with the Daily Graphic, Mr Sebastian Syme, has been honoured in Cape Town, South Africa, for his outstanding dedication and exemplary media coverage of the prestigious Africa Oil Week (Africa Upstream Conference).
The high-profile event, organised by Global Pacific & Partners, convened leading policymakers, chief executives, investors, technical experts and energy stakeholders from across Africa and beyond. Recognised as one of the continent’s foremost oil and gas gatherings, the conference serves as a strategic platform for shaping Africa’s upstream petroleum agenda and advancing investment dialogue.
Mr. Syme distinguished himself through incisive reporting, analytical depth, and his ability to translate complex upstream industry discussions into clear, impactful stories for a broad readership. His coverage not only highlighted key investment trends and policy directions but also amplified Africa’s strategic positioning within the global energy market. His reports were widely commended for accuracy, balance, and industry insight.
In recognition of his professionalism and the quality of his reportage, Mr. Syme was awarded a cash prize and a certificate of excellence. The organisers specifically acknowledged his consistency in filing timely, well-researched, and authoritative stories that enriched public understanding of developments emerging from the conference.
Speaking in an interview after receiving the award, Mr. Syme described the honour as a defining moment in his career. He noted that his passion for oil and gas reporting, coupled with a proactive decision to formally request accreditation to cover the event, opened doors to invaluable exposure and professional growth.
“I have always been deeply interested in the oil and gas sector and its transformational potential for African economies,” he said. “Having my request to attend the conference granted was one of the best professional opportunities I have received, and this recognition affirms the importance of specialised, development-focused journalism.”
Mr. Syme’s achievement underscores the critical role of informed media engagement in the extractive sector and reflects his commitment to excellence, initiative, and thought leadership in energy reporting.