Multi-Year Asset Revitalization

One of the most prominent examples of shallow-water redevelopment in Angola is the Block 3/05 and Block 3/05A campaigns - situated in Lower Congo Basin. Led by Sonangol as operator (36%), alongside Afentra (30%), Maurel & Prom (20%), Etu Energias (10%) and NIS Naftagas (4%), Block 3/05 is embarking on a 2026-2027 infill drilling and HWO program designed to unlock undeveloped resources and restore production from selected wells. Two infill wells – Impala-2 and Pacassa SW-1 – are planned for 2026, targeting bypassed or underdeveloped volumes within producing areas. Rig mobilization is planned for Q3, 2026 while first oil is targeted for Q4.

“In partnership with the operator and our joint venture partners on Block 3/05, we are advancing preparations for a 2026-2027 infill drilling and heavy workover program. The infill wells under consideration, Impala-2 and Pacassa SW-1, are key to unlocking significant production growth and adding to the asset’s reserves by targeting undeveloped resources. This work is part of a broader, multi-year asset revitalization effort to underpin stable production and prepare the assets for the next phase of activity,” Afentra told Energy Capital & Power.

The company elaborated on its revitalization strategy:

“Afentra’s approach across its Angolan portfolio is centerd on supporting infrastructure-led redevelopment in collaboration with its partners and the operator. The planned heavy workover program is a perfect example, designed to restore production from selected wells by leveraging existing infrastructure. This work complements the ongoing investment in water injection and infrastructure upgrades, all aimed at responsibly maximizing recovery from Angola’s mature offshore fields.”

Adjacent Block 3/05A adds further potential. The block contains the undeveloped Punja, Caco and Gazela discoveries, estimated at around 300 million barrels of oil initially in place. Production at Gazela resumed in 2023, while ongoing subsurface mapping is identifying additional production or injection candidates for inclusion in the 2026-2027 drilling campaign. Block 3/05A is also led by Sonangol as operator (33.33%), alongside Maurel & Prom (26.67%), Afentra (21.33%), Etu Energias (13.33%) and NIS Naftagas (5.33%).

These programs are designed to deliver a material step-change in production, adding significant new reserves and extending field life, contributing to Angola’s broader effort to maximize output from its mature asset base.

Looking Ahead: Afentra Eyes FID, Subsurface Understanding

Looking ahead, Afentra outlined its key strategic priorities for 2026, which balance near-term production growth with long-term value creation:

“In 2026, our priorities are focused on disciplined execution across our portfolio, progressing our multi-layered growth strategy in close collaboration with our partners. Offshore, our immediate priority is to continue supporting the operator on the multi-year revamping and integrity program for Block 3/05. This work is fundamental to sustaining production and provides the platform for growth. In parallel, we are preparing for the 2026-2027 drilling and workover campaign, which is expected to deliver a material uplift in production and reserves.”

Beyond revitalizing existing assets, Afentra is advancing development planning for Block 3/24 - its first operated asset in the country. Covering 545 km², Block 3/24 contains five discoveries - Palanca North East, Quissama, Goulongo, Cefo and Kuma - within the same Pinda reservoir system, alongside the previously developed Canuku field cluster, which has produced up to 12,000 bpd.

“Our focus is on progressing the development plan towards a Final Investment Decision in late 2026 or early 2027, establishing our next chapter of production growth,” Afentra said.

Onshore, in the Kwanza Basin, Afentra is integrating results from a recently completed eFTG survey to refine subsurface understanding and build a pipeline of future exploration and development prospects. This data-driven approach reflects a measured strategy: stabilize offshore production, advance near-term development and build longer-term exploration optionality.

“Across all these activities, our approach is consistent: we prioritize capital discipline and strong partnership alignment to deliver sustainable, long-term value for Afentra and for Angola,” the company said.

Implications for the Market

Angola’s shallow water redevelopment campaign highlights a broader market trend: mid-life field optimization is regaining prominence alongside new developments. For the market, this means Angola’s production outlook is increasingly supported by dual engines - brownfield revitalization and new development planning. While individual wells may not transform output, sustained redevelopment across multiple blocks can collectively underpin stable production and material growth, reinforcing Angola’s position as one of Africa’s key offshore producers.

As these redevelopment and drilling plans advance, they are expected to feature prominently in discussions at Angola Oil & Gas 2026, where operators, regulators and service providers will examine how shallow water asset optimization - alongside new project sanctioning - can sustain Angola’s long-term production trajectory. AOG returns to Luanda from September 9-10, with a pre-conference day scheduled for September 8. Afentra is an Associate Sponsor of the event.