As Angola’s oil and gas industry embraces digital transformation, the Angola Oil & Gas (AOG) 2026 conference and exhibition will host a panel session titled Accelerating AI Adoption in Angola’s Oil & Gas Sector. The session will bring together industry leaders, operators, technology providers and policymakers to explore how AI is reshaping the country’s hydrocarbon sector.

Taking place in Luanda on September 9-10, with a pre-conference day on September 8, the conference will examine the role of AI, cloud computing, advanced analytics and digital infrastructure in improving operational efficiency, enhancing decision-making and supporting Angola’s long-term energy goals.

The discussion comes at a pivotal moment for the country. Earlier this year, Angola’s national oil company Sonangol inaugurated a new 920m2 corporate data center in Luanda. The facility includes 400m2 of specialized technical space, with 182m2 currently operational and designed for future expansion. By creating a unified digital backbone, the data center is expected to strengthen operational control while accelerating the deployment of advanced technologies across the industry.

On Block 15, ExxonMobil is utilizing autonomous drones for visual and acoustic inspections, reducing inspection times by approximately 60% while improving safety and minimizing operational disruptions. Meanwhile, TotalEnergies is deploying Airborne Ultralight Spectrometer for Environmental Applications drone technology across Blocks 17 and 32 to detect and quantify methane emissions with precision levels as low as one kilogram per hour, supporting both operational efficiency and emissions reduction objectives.

In 2025, energy service provider SLB launched its Africa Performance Center in Luanda and continues to support several major offshore developments through AI, while companies such as Baker Hughes and Halliburton are deploying advanced digital technologies to enhance reservoir performance, optimize production and extend field life.

Amid these developments, the upcoming AOG 2026 panel is expected to explore how service providers are supporting this transition. Companies such as Easy People are delivering scalable IT infrastructure, enterprise software solutions and digital integration services that enable operators to deploy AI across core business functions. Meanwhile, Angolan maritime company Cabship has reported improvements in operational visibility and decision-making through the implementation of AI-powered software and real-time performance dashboards.

As Angola advance a hydrocarbon investment pipeline estimated at more than $70 billion, digital transformation is emerging as a critical pillar of future industry growth. The AOG 2026 panel is set to provide attendees with valuable insights into the technologies, partnerships and strategies driving AI adoption across the sector, while examining how data integration, intelligent systems and advanced analytics can help unlock greater efficiency, sustainability and value throughout Angola’s oil and gas industry.