Angola’s Energy Reforms Are Rewriting Africa’s Oil Narrative

By NJ Ayuk

Angola is proving something plain and simple: when a government reforms with purpose, and industry meets it halfway, results follow. Over the past 12 months, the country has built real momentum – smarter fiscal terms, more competitive licensing rounds, stronger local content requirements, and a wave of new investment that signals one thing clearly: Angola is open for business.

I have also had the privilege of releasing another book, this time devoted entirely to Angola’s story.

A Defining Moment for Angola’s Energy Sector

The Angola Oil & Gas Conference 2026 arrives at a pivotal moment for the country. Reform is advancing, fresh capital is flowing in, and major projects and new deals are strengthening the sector. Angola is demonstrating, once again, that oil and gas remain central to national growth, job creation, and local development.

I am proud to support this conference and to sign copies of my new book, Crude Oil: Power, Turnaround and Transformation in Angola, during the event.

Chevron’s Discovery Reinforces Angola’s Long-Term Value

Chevron has added to this story in a major way. Its 105-4X well in Block 0, offshore Angola, delivered a new oil and gas condensate discovery – reinforcing the long-term value of Angola’s mature basins and existing infrastructure.

Chevron’s footprint in Angola remains anchored by its interests in Block 0 and Block 14, with CABGOC operating Block 0 alongside partners including Sonangol E.P., TotalEnergies, and Azule Energy.

The Deal Flow Isn’t Slowing Down

If anything, activity is accelerating. Shell entered Angolan acreage through a farm-in with a Chevron subsidiary, a clear signal that major companies still see opportunity here. Earlier this year, Energean announced plans to acquire Chevron’s Angola stakes – a deal that, once approved, will underscore active market interest in Angola’s assets from international independents positioned to enter a new era of production.

Meanwhile, Azule Energy, Equinor, ANPG Angola, and Sonangol E.P. pressed ahead with the US$5.1 billion Greater PAJ offshore project, a major vote of confidence in Angola’s offshore future.

What Reform Looks Like When It Works

This is what effective reform looks like in practice. Angola has strengthened its ground rules, encouraged reinvestment, and kept the door open to new players and new capital.

The result: more activity, more production potential, and more reasons for companies to stay engaged for the long haul.

Local Content: Building a Bench, Not Just a Balance Sheet

Local content is central to this story. Angola is building its own talent pipeline, growing local participation, and ensuring that value created offshore translates into opportunity onshore.

That isn’t charity – it’s how a country builds a durable industry and a stronger economic future for its people.

The Smart Move Isn’t Abandoning Oil and Gas – It’s Managing It Better

For those eager to talk about walking away from oil and gas altogether, Angola’s experience tells a different story. Energy development, done right, funds jobs, infrastructure, and national progress.

The smart move isn’t to abandon oil and gas. It’s to produce it better, invest it wisely, and ensure Angolans benefit first – and last.