First Energy Africa Oil Corp. ("First Energy Africa" or "the Corporation"), a Calgary-based energy corporation, announced the appointment of Simon Akit and Frederick Kozak to its Board of Directors, effective July 13th, 2026. The new directors bring a combined 60 years of experience in capital markets and the resource industry, according to a press release from the company.
Simon Akit, founder and managing partner of a resource advisory firm, has over 25 years of experience in Canadian and U.S. capital markets, complemented by seven years of engineering and operations experience in the resource sector. He has held senior roles at Ventum Financial and Canaccord Genuity, among others, and has raised over $5 billion in equity and debt financing for resource companies from institutional investors across Canada, the United States, Europe, and Asia. He holds an MBA from the Rotman School of Management at the University of Toronto and is a Professional Engineer (APEGA).
Frederick Kozak, a former oil and gas research analyst at Canaccord Genuity, is an award-winning financial analyst and corporate executive with more than 40 years of experience in the resource and capital markets sector, focusing on Africa and South America. He holds an MBA from the Ivey School of Business at the University of Western Ontario and is a Professional Engineer (APEGA) with Lifetime status in Alberta.
"Simon and Fred are bringing complementary technical and capital markets seniority required for our complex business. We are confident their contributions will set the right approach on our strategic priorities," said Jeff Ruskowsky, President of First Energy Africa. The Corporation remains committed to upholding the highest standards of governance and sustainability as it continues to responsibly unlock value across its resource portfolio.
For leaders in business and technology, this board strengthening signals a strategic move by First Energy Africa to leverage deep industry expertise to navigate the complexities of exploration and block acquisitions in sub-Saharan Africa. The appointments may enhance the company's ability to secure financing and execute on its growth strategy, potentially impacting the energy sector's dynamics in the region. With a focus on governance and sustainability, the corporation aims to position itself as a responsible player in the resource industry, which could influence investor confidence and operational standards.
First Energy Africa Oil Corp. is a privately held Canadian corporation pursuing exploration and block acquisitions in sub-Saharan Africa, headquartered in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. The additions of Akit and Kozak are expected to provide strategic guidance as the company seeks to responsibly develop its resource portfolio.
