In this episode of The Energy Executive 360 Podcast, we sit down with Foday Mansaray, Director General of the Petroleum Directorate of Sierra Leone — a leader at the forefront of shaping one of Africa’s most promising energy frontiers.
A self-proclaimed “Oil & Gas man,” Foday embodies Sierra Leone’s ambition to redefine its place on the global energy map. In this powerful conversation, he shares why he believes that oil and gas is truly borderless, and speaks with conviction about how energy development can transform the life of every Sierra Leonean — because, as he says, “Energy is life.”
We explore the nation’s frontier oil and gas potential — including the opportunities stemming from an estimated 30 billion barrels of reserves — and discuss how Sierra Leone is positioning itself to attract global investment. The conversation also delves into Africa’s role in the global energy transition and the critical balance between growth, justice, and sustainability in today’s energy narratives.
Beyond energy, Foday opens up about personal lessons on justice, introversion, decisiveness and leadership in a sector that is often misunderstood. This is more than a discussion about resources; it’s about identity, collaboration, and the human side of our industry — what it truly means to create comfort, opportunity, and dignity through power.
What You’ll Learn⬛ Why Foday calls himself an “Oil & Gas man” — and what that means for Sierra Leone’s national pride
⬛ How the Petroleum Directorate is positioning Sierra Leone as a serious frontier for global investment
⬛ Why “energy is life” — and how access to energy transforms entire societies
⬛ How leadership, humility, and introversion intersect in high-stakes decision-making
⬛ Why Africa’s energy transition must be “just,” inclusive, and locally defined
⬛ The importance of discourse, debate, and courageous truth-telling in today’s energy narrative
⬛ Why collaboration between African nations is essential for shared progress
⬛ How Sierra Leone aims to unlock up to 30 billion barrels of potential oil reserves
⬛ Why Foday believes Sierra Leone could “make every Sierra Leonean a millionaire” — and what that really means
Connect with Foday Mansaray
Follow the Petroleum Directorate of Sierra Leone: https://pd.gov.sl/
Follow Foday on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/foday-man...
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