Angola’s President João Lourenço Named ‘Energy Person of the Year’

Angola’s President João Lourenço has been honored as the ‘Energy Person of the Year’ by the African Energy Chamber, in recognition of his leadership in governance reform, anti-corruption efforts, and his pivotal role in revitalizing Angola’s oil and gas sector.

Since taking office in 2017, Lourenço has reversed a decline in Angola’s energy industry – once hindered by aging infrastructure and low investment. His long-term strategy has driven significant progress, with the sector continuing on a positive growth trajectory through 2025.

His reforms, including flexible investment frameworks such as risk service contracts, marginal field opportunities, and production incentive programs, have reinvigorated domestic and foreign interest in the sector. The privatization of Sonangol, creation of independent upstream and downstream regulators, and updated tax policies have further enhanced transparency and investment.

Beyond Angola, President Lourenço has played a key role in advancing energy development across Africa, working closely with international partners to build a more competitive, transparent, and sustainable oil and gas market.