Institutional Returns from Africa's Energy Markets

Dennis's expertise is in government relations, trade finance, and strategic energy transactions. As Co-Founder of Black Barrel Capital, he leads the structuring and execution of large-scale oil and gas trades, working with governments, institutional investors, refiners, and industry counterparts across international markets. He has engaged with policymakers and international organisations on energy market development, including participation in United Nations related forums. Mr Waight serves as a Policy Advisor to the Australian Institute of International Affairs, contributing to discussions on energy security and emerging market development. In 2025, he spent six months working directly with stakeholders in Switzerland and overseeing supply operations in Georgia, strengthening his operational execution capability and global network.

Yanis Benzenati is Co-Founder of Black Barrel Capital, leading business development and deal structuring across global energy and metals trading. He focuses on structuring fuel supply agreements and large-scale commodity transactions between mines, refineries, smelters and international buyers. With a background in mining engineering specialising in geotechnical and civil disciplines, he has commercial experience across critical mineral operations including greenfield and brownfield developments and tailings reprocessing projects. He has also been involved in upstream and downstream gas operations in Australia with QGC Shell and Arrow Energy. Mr Benzenati combines technical precision with commercial strategy and maintains strong international relationships, positioning him as a trusted intermediary in energy and metals trade.

Steve Perren is a highly experienced energy trading executive with over 35 years in global fuels markets, with particular depth across the African downstream and trading landscape. He has held senior roles with major international firms including Shell, Glencore, and PetroChina, developing extensive expertise in physical trading, supply chain structuring, and cross-border fuel logistics. Steve possesses deep understanding of African fuel market dynamics including regulatory environments, refinery relationships, infrastructure constraints, and sovereign stakeholder engagement. He has led complex transactions across the continent, including strategic asset acquisitions such as a refinery in the Democratic Republic of Congo, and brings an exceptional network of industry participants, financial institutions, and government counterparties.

James is a senior oil and gas trading executive with over 25 years of experience in downstream fuel trading, supply chain execution, and international logistics across East and Southern Africa. As Operations Director at Black Barrel Capital, he has executed large-volume refined fuel trades managing cross-border flows into Zambia, DRC, Uganda, Rwanda, Burundi, and South Sudan. He has deep operational experience across key ports including Mombasa, Dar es Salaam, Beira, Tanga, Matola, Walvis Bay, Lome, and Matadi, and has held senior trading roles with RUBIS Energy KenolKobil and Zacosia Trading as Chief Trader. James brings strong expertise in Platts-based pricing, bulk procurement, regulatory compliance, and is widely regarded for his ability to deliver reliable fuel supply across complex African markets.

Manfred Gobvu brings deep expertise in trade finance, bank instruments, and cross-border transaction structuring, with a strong track record in executing large-scale, asset-backed energy deals. Under his leadership, Atlas Global Synergy was awarded a government contract in 2024 for the monthly supply of 50,000 MT of diesel, reflecting both execution capability and financial credibility. Manfred has secured key petroleum licences and developed a strong network of strategic partnerships with Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs) across the SADC region, creating durable market access and competitive advantage. His experience spans the structuring and financing of high-value commodity transactions, including refined fuel supply to national entities and the movement of precious metals from West Africa to South Asia. Combining financial structuring discipline with operational execution, Manfred is recognised for his ability to de-risk complex trades and deliver scalable growth in global energy markets.

Roman is a maritime and petroleum inspection professional with over 30 years of experience across tanker operations, shipping, and downstream energy inspection. A graduate of the Batumi State Maritime Academy specialising in navigation, he has served aboard crude and product tankers under Georgian, British, and Maltese flags, progressing from Able Seaman through to Second Officer. Since 2013, he has worked in petroleum inspection and surveying including with Saybolt Georgia, where he qualified as a Certified Inspector of Petroleum (IFIA). He has held roles as Inspector, Surveyor, Company Representative, and Safety Coordinator across the Caspian and Middle East regions, and currently works with MAXOIL.AM, bringing strong operational discipline and deep industry knowledge to energy trading and logistics.