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4 Strategies for Enhancing Small to Medium sized Enterprises (SME) Participation in Angolan Oil and Gas (O&G)

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hydrocarbon

Angola’s hydrocarbon market has experienced remarkable growth since the initial discovery of oil and gas in 1955, emerging as the biggest oil producer in Africa in 2023

LUANDA, Angola, July 7, 2023/APO Group/ — 

As Angola targets increased E&P activities in 2023 and beyond, several strategies can be deployed to advance the participation of small to medium enterprises across the evolving oil and gas industry.

Angola’s hydrocarbon market has experienced remarkable growth since the initial discovery of oil and gas in 1955, emerging as the biggest oil producer in Africa in 2023. While much of the industry has been largely dominated by global energy majors such as ExxonMobil, Azule Energy, Chevron and TotalEnergies – which celebrates 70 years of active participation in the country this year – working in close collaboration with the government, the future of the industry and its contribution to the economy will largely depend on the participation of small to medium sized enterprises (SME).

A traditionally underestimated corporate group, SMEs bring to the sector fresh perspectives, innovation and diversification, while in turn deliver newfound economic contributions through job creation, supply chain development and market growth. Introducing new ideas, business models and practices, SMEs foster a more dynamic and competitive market environment. As Angola enters into a new era of E&P growth, several strategies can be deployed to enhance the participation of SMEs across the industry.

Advancing Capacity Building & Partnerships

Leveraging the already-strong presence of global energy majors in Angola, advancing local content through capacity building initiatives would not only strengthen the development of domestic capabilities but drive partnerships and collaboration across the industry. Programs that focus on enhancing the technical, managerial and operational skills of O&G players can not only improve SME understanding of industry best practices, regulatory compliance, safety standards and project management, but empower these organizations to operate more efficiently.

Strengthening Investment Incentives & Access to Finance

Introducing new ideas, business models and practices, SMEs foster a more dynamic and competitive market environment

Investment incentives in Angola’s oil and gas sector provide tangible benefits to SMEs, enabling them to overcome financial barriers, compete with larger corporations while driving innovation and project development. Through the implementation of attractive fiscal policies, introduction of incentives such as tax breaks and exemptions, and ongoing regulatory support, the government can create a more conducive environment for SME participation.

Meanwhile, by improving access to finance for SMEs through the availability of loans, credit infrastructure and guarantees, the Government will lower the cost of doing business, reduce financial obligations and address barriers to entry, therefore enabling SMEs to allocate resources more effectively, generate higher returns on investment while fostering fair competition and a diverse market. 

Creating Robust Regulatory Frameworks

The Angolan Government has made significant strides towards enhancing its regulatory framework, ensuring transparency, stability and a level playing field for all participants. Clear and predictable regulations provide confidence to SMEs, encouraging them to engage in the market by taking risks and seizing opportunities. Regulations such as the Private Investment Law (2018) establish the general principles and basis of private investment in Angola while amendments to the Hydrocarbon Law improve procedural certainty. Under the October 2020 implemented Legal Framework for the Promotion of Local Content, the Angolan government outlines, among other provisions, requirements for the supply of goods and services to the oil and gas industry, identifying strategic opportunities for SMEs such as refining, petrochemicals, manufacturing, transportation, services and logistics. With the aim to retain at least 10% of the value of goods and services in-country, the framework has opened up lucrative opportunities for SMEs active in the market.

Improving Market Access & Opportunity

Improving market access for SMEs will not only promote inclusivity across the O&G industry (https://apo-opa.info/3NFaL8Y) but stimulate economic growth, competition and innovation while diversifying and encouraging local value addition across the market. Platforms that foster collaboration, awareness and networking, such as the upcoming Angola Oil & Gas (AOG) conference (https://apo-opa.info/46A1Zl3) – which is organized by Energy Capital & Power and  scheduled for September 13-14 in Luanda –, represent key avenues for advancing market access and SME participation. Now in its third edition, AOG 2023 has built a reputation for fostering such connections across the Angolan oil and gas market, providing SMEs with the opportunity to partner with foreign companies and government agencies, participate in supply chains, subcontracting opportunities and joint ventures while enhancing their contribution to the country’s economic future.

On the back of local content, regulatory certainty and improved access to both financing and market opportunities, SMEs stand to play a much larger role in advancing the Angolan oil and gas sector. This year’s edition of AOG 2023 will promote this very topic, eliminating barriers to entry for SMEs by connecting O&G players to opportunities, fostering new collaborations and progress across the sector. 

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Energy Capital & Power.

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Liberia to Preview Next Oil & Gas Licensing Round Strategy at Houston Investor Day

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The Liberia Petroleum Regulatory Authority will host operators, investors and partners in Houston on August 19 to preview future licensing opportunities and showcase the exploration potential of its offshore basins

HOUSTON, United States of America, August 7, 2026/APO Group/ –The Liberia Petroleum Regulatory Authority (LPRA) will present its strategy for the country’s next offshore licensing round at Liberia Investor Day Houston on August 19, bringing together international exploration companies, investors, service providers and energy leaders to discuss the next phase of Liberia’s upstream development.

Hosted in partnership with Energy Capital & Power, the event will provide a platform for the LPRA, led by Director General Hon. Marilyn T. Logan, to outline Liberia’s regulatory framework, investment priorities and plans to attract new participation across the country’s offshore sector. Discussions will focus on upcoming licensing opportunities, exploration prospects and the subsurface data supporting future investment decisions.

Liberia’s offshore sector is entering a new phase of exploration activity, with renewed international participation and a growing pipeline of opportunities. Following the award and ratification of eight Production Sharing Contracts in 2025, Liberia has re-established itself as a frontier exploration destination, with international operators advancing work programs designed to further evaluate the country’s petroleum potential. TotalEnergies is progressing exploration activities that include offshore geochemical surveys, 3D seismic acquisition and seabed mapping, while Oranto Petroleum has also signed contracts to explore Liberia’s offshore.

At the Liberia Investor Day Houston, the LPRA will provide industry stakeholders with insight into the priorities shaping the next licensing round, including the anticipated process, qualification requirements, available acreage and access to technical data. The engagement will give prospective investors a clearer view of Liberia’s exploration landscape and the opportunities emerging across its offshore basins.

The event will also facilitate direct dialogue between LPRA and the global upstream community, connecting companies with policymakers and industry stakeholders involved in shaping Liberia’s next chapter of petroleum development.

As exploration companies continue to seek new frontier opportunities, Liberia Investor Day Houston will highlight the role of regulatory certainty, data availability and strategic partnerships in unlocking long-term investment across Liberia’s offshore sector.

Registration is now open for attendees. Companies interested in Liberia’s emerging offshore opportunities are invited to join LPRA, investors and upstream leaders in Houston for insights into the country’s licensing strategy and exploration outlook. For more information contact info@energycapitalpower.com.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Energy Capital & Power.

 

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Beyond Stabroek: Guyana’s Offshore Basin Attracts New Wave of Exploration Investment

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As ExxonMobil advances appraisal activity in Stabroek and new operators target frontier acreage, Guyana is attracting global capital and building a diversified offshore portfolio designed to sustain long-term growth

GEORGETOWN, Guyana, August 7, 2026/APO Group/ –Guyana’s transformation into one of the world’s fastest-growing oil producers is entering a new phase, with a growing network of IOCs expanding exploration activity across the country’s offshore basin. Beyond the landmark discoveries that first put Guyana on the global energy map, new drilling campaigns and licensing partnerships are creating a broader exploration ecosystem designed to support long-term production growth.

At the center of this momentum is ExxonMobil’s continued exploration and appraisal activity in the prolific Stabroek Block. The company has submitted a proposal for a 35-well exploration and appraisal drilling campaign, expected to run from 2028 through 2033, pending regulatory approval. The program would build on more than 30 commercial discoveries already made in the block, with drilling activity focused on evaluating new prospects and appraising existing discoveries to support future development opportunities.

Exploration activity is also extending into Guyana’s frontier acreage, with ExxonMobil advancing drilling operations at the deepwater Canje Block. The company has deployed the Noble Stena Carron drillship for exploration activity, highlighting continued industry interest in evaluating Guyana’s underexplored offshore potential beyond the established Stabroek Block.

Guyana’s strong exploration outlook comes as the country’s economy continues to benefit from rapid oil sector expansion, with hydrocarbons expected to remain a key driver of exports, government revenues and economic growth. As production scales up, attracting additional investment across exploration, services and infrastructure will be critical to supporting the next phase of development.

That momentum is being reinforced through partnerships established under Guyana’s 2023 offshore licensing round. A consortium comprising TotalEnergies, QatarEnergy and Petronas is advancing exploration activities in Block S4 under a five-year production sharing agreement signed with the government in late 2025. The award represents one of the first major outcomes of the licensing round and demonstrates continued international confidence in Guyana’s offshore resource potential.

Beyond the largest operators, a diverse group of companies is also expanding activity across Guyana’s offshore basin. Eco Atlantic is advancing exploration at the Orinduik Block; CGX Energy and Frontera Energy are progressing work in the Corentyne Block; Occidental is evaluating opportunities in the Roraima Block; while Ratio Guyana and Cataleya Energy hold interests in the Kaieteur Block. Together, these partnerships are broadening Guyana’s exploration landscape, increasing competition for acreage and creating opportunities for future discoveries.

As Guyana transitions from an emerging producer to a global energy hub, the next challenge will be converting exploration success into sustainable investment, local value creation and regional growth. These opportunities will be explored at Caribbean Energy Week 2027, held under the theme “Unlocking the Caribbean Energy Corridor: Oil, Gas, LNG & Investment for a New Global Hub.” Bringing together governments, IOCs, investors and technology providers, the event will examine how Guyana’s expanding partnerships can accelerate offshore development, strengthen regional energy cooperation and attract the capital needed to support the Caribbean’s evolving energy landscape.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Energy Capital & Power.

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Energy Capital & Power Establishes London Entity, Expanding Global Platform for Energy and Mining Events

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The move strengthens ECP’s presence in the UK and Europe, and its ability to connect African and South American markets with global investors

LONDON, United Kingdom, August 6, 2026/APO Group/ –International events company Energy Capital & Power (ECP) (www.EnergyCapitalPower.com) has officially established its UK entity in London, marking a milestone in the company’s growth strategy and reinforcing its ability to deliver world-class energy and mining events and campaigns in the UK and Europe.

By establishing a presence in a key hub like London – the pre-eminent energy and mining finance center – ECP actively shapes the global energy conversation. The expansion positions ECP to better serve clients, partners and investors seeking to develop business opportunities between Africa, Europe, the Americas and energy markets worldwide.

Opening our UK company brings ECP closer to key investors in the global energy finance capital

The milestone comes as ECP strengthens its reach through a series of investment platforms that connect global capital to energy and mining projects. These include the Venezuela Energy Week London Showcase on July 30 – with over 300 delegates registered – and the annual Invest in African Energy Forum, held in Paris as the premier event connecting global investors to Africa’s energy transformation.

ECP hosts high level summits and investor conferences in leading energy and minerals producing countries in Africa and South America, including: Venezuela Energy Week; Angola Oil & Gas; MSGBC Oil, Gas & Power; African Mining Week; Libya Energy & Economic Summit; Congo Energy & Investment Forum; South Sudan Oil & Power; and Caribbean Energy Week. The company has hosted investor forums and supported licensing round roadshows in Houston, London and Paris since 2016.

“Opening our UK company brings ECP closer to key investors in the global energy finance capital,” states CEO James Chester. “Having a permanent presence in London further cements our footprint in Europe, enabling us to fulfil our mission to bring minerals and energy investment to diverse global markets.”

With teams located across Africa, Europe and the Americas, ECP has long-facilitated strategic engagement, market intelligence and industry convening, uniting investors with leading energy and mining projects.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Energy Capital & Power.

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