New Projects Signal Future Production Growth

Several major developments reached first production in 2025, underscoring Angola’s ability to bring complex projects online while sustaining long-term output. In November 2025, the New Gas Consortium started operations at its Gas Treatment Plant in Soyo, marking the launch of Angola’s first non-associated gas project. Azule Energy’s Agogo FPSO began operations in July 2025, increasing Block 15/06’s capacity to 175,000 barrels per day (bpd). The TotalEnergies-led Begonia and CLOV Phase 3 developments also came online in 2025. Located in Blocks 17/06 and 17 respectively, the projects add a combined 60,000 bpd to the market.

Downstream, the inauguration of the first phase of the Cabinda refinery strengthened domestic refining capacity, reducing reliance on fuel imports and supporting energy security. The first phase has a capacity of 30,000 bpd, while a planned second phase will double output. Collectively, these projects signal a shift from recovery to sustained growth, with 2025 production gains positioning Angola to stabilize output above one million bpd while preparing for further upside in 2026.

Strategic Acquisitions and New Forays

Alongside project delivery, 2025 saw renewed interest from international and independent players seeking exposure to Angola’s upstream potential. Shell returned to Angola after nearly two decades, signing an exploration agreement for three offshore blocks in the Kwanza Basin. The move reflects growing confidence in the country’s regulatory environment and geological prospectivity.

BW Energy also entered Angola’s upstream market in 2025 through the acquisition of interests in Blocks 14 and 14K. These transactions complement ongoing portfolio optimization by existing operators and underscore Angola’s ability to attract a diverse investor base – spanning majors, independents and national companies – at a time when competition for global upstream capital remains intense.

AOG 2025 Drives Dealmaking and Partnerships

AOG 2025 reinforced its role as a catalyst for upstream progress, with seven agreements signed to advance development, unlock acreage and strengthen regional cooperation. Key agreements included development frameworks for Blocks 6/24 and 33/24, new operating rights at Block 3/24 and expanded acreage at the prolific Block 15.

Additional deals extended production at Block 31 through 2032, strengthened collaboration within Angola’s geoscience sector and established a hydrocarbons cooperation framework with Ivory Coast. Collectively, the agreements signed at AOG 2025 reflect growing investor confidence and underscore the event’s role in translating opportunity into execution.

Exploration Gains Momentum

Exploration activity accelerated in 2025, reinforcing Angola’s medium-term growth outlook. A gas discovery by Azule Energy at Block 1/14 highlighted the continued potential of near-field and infrastructure-led exploration, while Viridien announced plans for a multi-client seismic re-imaging program at Block 22 to enhance subsurface understanding.

Chevron completed a seismic data acquisition program offshore Angola in October 2025, further advancing frontier exploration efforts. Onshore activity is also gathering pace. The Etosha-Okavango exploration project progressed toward its next phase, with demining and sample collection 60% complete and seismic acquisition and stratigraphic drilling planned. In the Kwanza Basin, Corcel contracted BGP Geophysical Lda to conduct a 2D seismic program across Block KON 16, supporting drilling activity targeted for 2026.

With new production online, renewed investor interest, active dealmaking and expanding exploration programs, the foundations are firmly in place for Angola to accelerate development, unlock new resources and strengthen its position as a leading African oil and gas producer in 2026 and beyond.