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A Return to Onshore: How Independents are Leading Angola’s Inland Resurgence

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African Energy Chamber

As Angola reinvigorates its onshore basins through regulatory reform and flexible licensing, independent oil and gas companies are stepping forward to drive a new wave of inland exploration and production growth

LUANDA, Angola, January 28, 2026/APO Group/ –After decades defined by deepwater success, Angola’s upstream sector is rediscovering its onshore potential. Previously overshadowed by prolific offshore blocks, the country’s inland basins are re-emerging as a strategic frontier – not led by supermajors, but by independent oil and gas companies willing to take early-stage risk in pursuit of long-term value.

This shift is taking shape across basins such as Kwanza and Congo, where independents are advancing seismic campaigns, consolidating acreage and preparing for drilling activity that could unlock new reserves and extend the life of Angola’s hydrocarbons sector. Among the most active new entrants is Nigerian energy company Oando, which formally entered Angola’s upstream market in early 2025 through operatorship of Block KON 13 in the onshore Kwanza Basin. Holding a 45% stake, Oando has positioned the block as a long-term exploration opportunity, targeting underexplored plays with analogues to offshore success.

Corcel has also emerged as a key driver of onshore momentum. The London-listed company has consolidated its stake in Block KON 16 in Angola’s onshore Kwanza Basin to just over 70% through agreements with partners including Intank Global and Sintana Energy. The company is advancing technical studies and leveraging existing and new seismic data as it moves toward a drilling program in 2026. With its scale and increasing technical clarity, KON 16 is widely viewed as one of the most closely watched onshore exploration projects in Angola.

Angola’s inland basins are no longer a legacy asset, but a frontier once again shaping the future of its oil and gas industry

Further expanding the independent footprint, ReconAfrica signed an agreement with Angola’s upstream regulator ANPG in April 2025 to explore more than five million acres across underexplored inland areas. While still at an early stage, the company’s entry highlights the government’s willingness to open frontier acreage to companies with an appetite for basin-opening exploration. At the same time, Angolan players such as Etu Energias and Alfort Petroleum are advancing seismic interpretation and field evaluation efforts, with Alfort targeting the submission of a well proposal for Block KON 8 in the second quarter of 2026, reinforcing the breadth of interest in the onshore segment.

Angola’s ability to attract independent investment inland has also been the result of a deliberate shift in policy aimed at improving competitiveness, transparency and flexibility. Central to this effort has been the country’s multi-year licensing round, launched in 2019, which sought to award dozens of new concessions across both offshore and onshore areas. Through the regular award of new concessions, Angola has reduced uncertainty and allowed companies to plan exploration strategies over the medium term.

Equally important has been the introduction of a permanent offer regime, enabling companies to negotiate access to available blocks outside of formal bidding rounds. This mechanism has proven particularly attractive to independents, allowing them to pursue tailored opportunities without waiting for scheduled tenders. When combined with risk service contracts and marginal field frameworks, the regime offers multiple entry points suited to different capital structures and risk appetites.

“These policy tools are now converging with industry dialogue at the Angola Oil & Gas (AOG) conference, which has become a central platform for advancing the country’s onshore ambitions,” says NJ Ayuk Executive Chairman, African Energy Cahmber.

The 2026 edition of AOG was officially launched in Luanda this on Tuesday, marking the next chapter of an event now entering its seventh edition and positioned as a catalyst for up to $70 billion in investment across the upstream value chain. Scheduled to take place in September, the event brings together government leaders, operators, financiers and service companies to translate licensing success into executable projects.

“By spotlighting onshore basins alongside offshore developments, AOG provides a forum for independents to showcase progress, secure partnerships and align with Angola’s long-term energy strategy. As the country looks to sustain production and attract diversified capital, the return to onshore – led by agile, exploration-focused companies – is becoming an increasingly important part of the narrative. In this new chapter, Angola’s inland basins are no longer a legacy asset, but a frontier once again shaping the future of its oil and gas industry,” Ayuk states.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Energy Chamber.

Energy

Venezuela Energy Week Confirms 19 August Date for Houston Industry Showcase

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Officially supported by Venezuela’s Ministry of Hydrocarbons and national oil company PDVSA, the Houston Industry Showcase will take place on 19 August, convening U.S. energy leaders ahead of Venezuela Energy Week 2027 in Caracas

HOUSTON, United States of America, August 10, 2026/APO Group/ –The organizers of Venezuela Energy Week (VEW) have confirmed that the Houston Industry Showcase will take place on 19 August 2026 at The Post Oak Hotel. Officially supported by Venezuela’s Ministry of Hydrocarbons and national oil company PDVSA, the event will bring together U.S. energy companies, investors and policymakers to explore commercial opportunities ahead of Venezuela Energy Week 2027 in Caracas in February.

The showcase will feature Minister of Hydrocarbons Paula Henao as a keynote speaker, providing an update on Venezuela’s energy priorities, investment agenda and opportunities for international partnership. Her participation underscores the country’s commitment to strengthening engagement with global industry as it seeks to expand production and unlock new upstream investment.

Bringing together exploration and production companies, independent operators, oilfield service providers, engineering firms, technology companies and financial institutions, the Houston Industry Showcase will examine opportunities across exploration, production optimization, infrastructure rehabilitation and field development.

As Venezuela works to increase oil and gas production, demand is expected to grow for the technical expertise of U.S. service providers in drilling, well intervention, completion services, production optimization, artificial lift, digital oilfield technologies and infrastructure rehabilitation. Houston-based industry leaders – including SLB, Halliburton, Baker Hughes, Weatherford and a broad network of EPC contractors, equipment manufacturers and specialized service companies – are well positioned to support the modernization of mature fields, improve operational efficiency and deliver the technologies and services needed for future upstream projects.

The Houston event follows a successful Industry Showcase in London, which brought together international investors, operators and energy service companies to explore Venezuela’s evolving investment landscape. Building on that momentum, the Houston edition will deepen engagement with the U.S. energy industry and strengthen commercial dialogue ahead of Venezuela Energy Week 2027.

Venezuela Energy Week – the country’s largest energy investment platform to date – has been confirmed for 22–25 February 2027 in Caracas. Organized by Energy Capital & Power, the event will bring together government leaders, investors and industry stakeholders from across the global energy value chain.

To register for the Houston Industry Showcase on August 19, visit https://apo-opa.co/4g0TncR. To learn more about delegate, sponsorship and partnership opportunities for the showcase or to secure your place at Venezuela Energy Week 2027 in Caracas, contact info@venezuelaenergyweek.com.

Supporting Venezuela’s Earthquake Recovery
Our thoughts are with the people and communities affected by the recent earthquakes in Venezuela. As the country begins the long process of recovery, we encourage members of the global energy community to support relief and reconstruction efforts through the CAF Recovery and Reconstruction Fund for Venezuela, which channels contributions from individuals, companies and organizations to emergency assistance, essential services and long-term rebuilding efforts.

To learn more or make a contribution, please visit the CAF Recovery and Reconstruction Fund for Venezuela (https://apo-opa.co/4hkvteE).

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

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Islamic Development Bank Institute (IsDBI) Secures New Patent for Smart Stabilization System from Intellectual Property Office of Singapore

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IsDBI

The Smart Stabilization System is a pioneering digital market infrastructure designed to stabilize asset markets by intelligently managing supply-demand gaps and mitigating excessive volatility

JEDDAH, Saudi Arabia, August 10, 2026/APO Group/ –The Islamic Development Bank Institute (IsDBI) (https://IsDBInstitute.org) is pleased to announce that the Intellectual Property Office of Singapore (IPOS) has granted a new patent for its innovative Smart Stabilization System.

 

The patent was granted on 10 July 2026 under Singapore Patent No. 10202250873B for the invention titled “A Computer Network Stabilization System and Method.” The patent application was filed on 1 September 2022 and was formally granted following a comprehensive review process.

This achievement reflects our commitment to translating pioneering research into practical solutions that contribute to economic resilience and sustainable development

The Smart Stabilization System is a pioneering digital market infrastructure designed to stabilize asset markets by intelligently managing supply-demand gaps and mitigating excessive volatility. Leveraging sophisticated algorithms and advanced simulation models, the system is designed to anticipate supply and demand imbalances and implement programmable stabilization measures before they escalate into market disruptions.

Unlike traditional stabilization mechanisms that rely on capital reserves, buffer funds, or external interventions, the Smart Stabilization System introduces a next-generation framework for achieving autonomous market stabilization through proactive and programmed stabilization mechanisms. By incorporating distributed ledger technology and cryptographic trust mechanisms, the platform enhances transparency, trust, and operational resilience for digital asset and commodity markets.

The successful patent grant reflects IsDBI’s growing contribution to technological innovation and its commitment to developing knowledge-based solutions that address contemporary economic and development challenges.

Since filing the patent application back in 2022, the Institute has continued to advance the Smart Stabilization System through ongoing development and testing, aimed to expand its practical applications and support future capitalization opportunities. These advancements have positioned the system as a potentially transformative solution for enhancing stability and resilience in increasingly digital and interconnected economies.

Commenting on this occasion, Dr. Sami Al-Suwailem, Acting Director General of IsDBI, said, “The grant of this patent by the Intellectual Property Office of Singapore further strengthens the Institute’s position as a leader in developing innovative knowledge-based solutions that leverage modern technologies to address complex development challenges. This achievement reflects our commitment to translating pioneering research into practical solutions that contribute to economic resilience and sustainable development.”

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Islamic Development Bank Institute (IsDBI).

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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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