New York, USA — Stephen L. Hightower, the visionary President and CEO of Hightowers Petroleum Co. (HPC), has been named to the prestigious Africa Power 100 list, solidifying his role as a global leader in the energy sector. A self-made entrepreneur since 1979, Hightower has transformed his Ohio-based wholesale fuel distribution company into a global energy powerhouse, providing innovative energy solutions across multiple continents, including Africa.
Over the past five years, Hightower has overseen $1.7 billion in energy transactions, establishing HPC as a leader in the energy value chain. His company’s global reach extends across petroleum supply, energy solutions, and crude oil and LNG marketing in markets spanning Europe, Asia, Central America, and Africa. His efforts have brought energy solutions to blue-chip clients such as Duke Energy, General Motors, FedEx, Ford Motor Company, Nissan, and many more.
Under Hightower’s leadership, HPC has not only mastered the conventional petroleum supply chain but has also ventured into clean energy development. As President and Chairman of HP Energy, Hightower leads the company’s initiatives in Combined Heat and Power (CHP), Hydrogen Fuel Cells, and Solar Applications, with a particular focus on waste-to-energy projects in Sub-Saharan Africa, including South Africa.
Strategic Leadership and Government Engagement
Hightower’s influence extends beyond the private sector. He served under former U.S. Presidents Barack Obama and Donald Trump, holding key appointments such as the National Park Foundation and the Department of Energy’s National Petroleum Council, where he continues to play an instrumental role in shaping national energy policies.
He has also been actively involved in Power Africa, an initiative launched by President Obama to expand access to electricity across the African continent. Through this initiative, Hightower participated in trade missions to Ghana, Nigeria, South Africa, and Mozambique, collaborating with U.S. government officials to strengthen Africa’s energy infrastructure and expand electrification.
Recognised Excellence
Hightower’s entrepreneurial prowess and leadership have earned him numerous accolades. He is the recipient of awards such as Black Enterprise Magazine’s Industrial/Service Company of the Year, Rainbow PUSH Living Legend Award, and Duke Energy Supplier of the Year. His ability to navigate the complexities of both global markets and government regulations has made him a respected figure in the energy industry.
With his inclusion in the Africa Power 100, Stephen L. Hightower continues to demonstrate his commitment to transforming the global energy landscape, particularly in Africa, where his efforts are making a lasting impact.
International Recognition and Collaboration
The IFAL 2024 forum gathers notable figures, including H.E. Rt. Hon. Raila Odinga, Former Prime Minister, Republic of Kenya; Her Excellency Nomvula Paula Mokonyane, Deputy Secretary-General, African National Congress, South Africa; Ms. Reta Jo Lewis, President and Chairman, U.S. Export-Import (EXIM) Bank; H.E. Sen. Douye Diri, CON, Executive Governor, Bayelsa State, Nigeria; H.E. Mr. Agbu Kefas, Executive Governor, Taraba State, Nigeria; H.E. Martin Gama Abucha, Hon. Minister, Ministry of Mining, Republic of South Sudan; Dr. Kevin Greenidge, Governor, Central Bank of Barbados; Mr. Harry Kalaba, President, Citizens First Party, Zambia; Senator Barr Sunday Marshall Katung, Senator for Southern Kaduna, Nigeria; Dr. Benedito Paulo Manuel, Director General, Sociedade Mineira De Catoca Lda, Angola; Dr. Mustapha Abdul-Hamid, Managing Director, National Petroleum Authority, Ghana; Mr. Olusegun Alebiosu, Managing Director/CEO, First Bank of Nigeria Limited; Eng. Victor B. Mapani, Managing Director, Zambia Electricity Supply Corporation Limited (ZESCO); Mr. Daniel Asiedu, Managing Director, OmniBSIC Bank Limited, Ghana; and Dr. Jesca Mhoja Nkwabi, CEO, KOM Group of Companies, Tanzania, among others.
About IFAL and African Leadership Magazine
The International Forum on African-Caribbean Leadership is an annual event that fosters collaboration between leaders from Africa and the Caribbean, exploring transformative solutions to global challenges. African Leadership Magazine, which organises the event, is a leading platform for showcasing African success stories and promoting leadership in business, government, and development across the continent.
For information, contact:
The Group Editor
King Richard Igimoh
editor@africanleadership.co.uk
King.richards@africanleadership.co.uk
