The sponsorship comes as Sonangol accelerates a multi-billion-dollar investment drive across exploration, production, gas monetization and refining infrastructure, with several flagship projects set to reshape Angola’s energy landscape through 2030.

At the heart of this expansion is Sonangol’s continued partnership with international operators on major offshore developments. In Block 15/06, the Agogo Integrated West Hub – developed alongside Azule Energy and Sinopec – reached production in 2025, adding significant new volumes through the Agogo and Ndungu fields and reinforcing Angola’s drive to sustain output above one million barrels per day.

Another cornerstone development is the Kaminho Deepwater Project in Block 20/11, operated with TotalEnergies and Petronas, which targets first oil in 2028 with an estimated production capacity of around 70,000 barrels per day. The project represents a key step in unlocking Angola’s Kwanza Basin frontier and demonstrates Sonangol’s continued role in large-scale deepwater developments.

In parallel, Sonangol is expanding its gas portfolio through its stake in the New Gas Consortium, Angola’s first non-associated gas development. The Quiluma field recently achieved first gas and is expected to ramp up to around 330 million cubic feet per day at plateau, supplying feedstock to the Angola LNG plant and reinforcing the country’s position as a long-term LNG exporter.

Downstream, Sonangol is advancing an ambitious refining expansion strategy aimed at strengthening fuel security and value retention. The Cabinda Refinery has entered its final testing and commissioning phase, with operations expected to ramp up imminently following initial start-up and fuel deliveries beginning in 2026. Long-term projects in Lobito and Soyo are positioned to substantially expand Angola’s refining capacity over the coming decade.

Beyond hydrocarbons, Sonangol is also deepening its diversification into renewables and integrated power. Through renewable energy partnerships, including solar initiatives such as the Quilemba Solar Project in southern Angola developed with international partners, the company is gradually building a multi-energy portfolio aligned with Angola’s broader energy transition goals.

Financially, Sonangol has also strengthened its balance sheet to support this expansion, securing a $1.75 billion syndicated financing facility in early 2026 to support operational and capital investment needs across its portfolio.

Sonangol’s role as Emerald Sponsor of AEW 2026 therefore comes at a pivotal moment for both the company and Angola’s energy sector. The partnership underscores the company’s intent to position itself not only as a national champion, but as a continental energy leader driving investment, partnerships, and infrastructure development across the value chain.

“Sonangol continues to demonstrate the strategic importance of African national oil companies in shaping the continent’s energy future,” said NJ Ayuk, Executive Chairman of the African Energy Chamber. “Its investment drive across upstream, gas and downstream infrastructure reflects a clear commitment to long-term value creation, energy security and industrial growth in Angola and beyond.”

This decision follows a comprehensive review of Oranto’s performance under the EPSA over the six-year contractual period. The review found that Oranto did not meet key work program obligations, including the completion of required seismic surveys and the drilling commitments stipulated in the agreement.

In addition, Oranto failed to fulfill its financial obligations to the Government of South Sudan and related project commitments, as provided for under the EPSA framework.

In line with the Government’s policy of ensuring responsible resource development and attracting credible, technically capable investors, the Ministry has therefore concluded that the non-renewal of the Block B3 license is in the best interest of the country.

Block B3 is now open for new applications, and the Ministry of Petroleum welcomes interest from serious and qualified international and regional oil and gas companies committed to timely exploration, compliance with contractual obligations, and long-term partnership with the Republic of South Sudan.

The Ministry reaffirms its commitment to transparency, accountability, and the sustainable development of South Sudan’s petroleum sector.

A country spotlight at AMW 2026 will bring together Egyptian regulators, project developers and international investors for discussions on the future of the sector while facilitating deal signings, partnerships and new project development opportunities.

Speaking to the event organizers ahead of the event in February 2026, Yasser Ramadan, Chairman of the Egyptian Mineral Resources and Mining Industries Authority (MRMIA), said Egypt intends to showcase opportunities in legislative reform, investment incentives, government–investor collaboration and mineral beneficiation during the conference.

National Geomapping Anchors Egypt’s Exploration Expansion Strategy

AMW 2026 will showcase investment opportunities within Egypt’s upstream sector as the country focuses on improving its geological insights to unlock untapped mineral resources. In March 2026, the country approved the rollout of a national geomapping initiative in partnership with Xcalibur Smart Mapping, marking the country’s first comprehensive aerial geological survey in more than 40 years.

While Egypt already holds estimated gold reserves exceeding 9 million ounces, along with approximately 660 million tons of iron oxide resources and extensive phosphate deposits, the geomapping exercise is expected to unlock new mineral deposits and position the country as an emerging exploration hotspot in North Africa.

Efforts are underway to unlock Egypt’s new drilling hotspots, with exploration activity – particularly in gold and silver – already accelerating investment flows into Egypt’s upstream mining sector. Companies including Barrick Gold, Shalateen Mineral Resources Company and Lotus Gold Corporation are advancing gold exploration across the Arabian-Nubian Shield, supporting the country’s strategy to expand gold output and capitalize on strong demand and prices in 2026. The government’s approval of 53 exploration and exploitation licenses in late 2025 further highlights its commitment to unlocking new investment opportunities in the exploration segment.

Digital Mining Platform to Accelerate Investment

Another major initiative expected to be showcased at AMW 2026 and aimed at strengthening Egypt’s investment climate is the launch of a digital mining platform and cadastre system, expected in the first half of 2026. The platform will enable investors to access geological data, evaluate exploration prospects and submit permit applications through a streamlined digital process, reducing administrative bottlenecks and accelerating project development timelines.

Building a Downstream Minerals Processing Industry

Beyond exploration and extraction, Egypt is prioritizing the development of downstream mineral processing infrastructure to capture greater value from its resources. Several projects are already underway, including a financing agreement with the African Export-Import Bank to establish an integrated gold value chain that supports domestic gold processing. MRMIA and mining companies Phosphate Misr and WADICO, together with China’s Xingfa Group, are evaluating phosphate ore, quartz and silica sand resources while studying the development of an industrial processing project in the Golden Triangle mining region. These projects and many other emerging opportunities within the downstream sector will be unpacked at AMW 2026.

AMW to Catalyze the Next Phase of Growth

As Egypt positions itself as a regional mining hub through regulatory reform, geological surveys, digital licensing systems and international partnerships, AMW 2026 will play an important role in advancing this progress. The event will connect global investors with Egyptian regulators and project developers, helping unlock new investment flows and partnerships that can drive the next phase of growth for Egypt’s evolving mining sector.