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Consultancy Firms Join African Energy Chamber G20 Forum Amid Rise in African Oil and Gas Transactions

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African Energy Chamber

Consultancy companies are expected to continue playing an instrumental role in improving risk assessment and supporting foreign investment across Africa’s energy sector

JOHANNESBURG, South Africa, November 14, 2025/APO Group/ –Leading consultancy companies have joined the African Energy Chamber’s (AEC) (https://EnergyChamber.org/) G20 Africa Energy Investment Forum, taking place November 21 in Johannesburg. Acha Leke, Chairman, McKinsey & Company Africa, and Simon Van Wyk, Director of Sustainability & ESG, Deloitte Africa, are expected to shed light into Africa’s evolving energy landscape, examining how global investors perceive African opportunities and strategies for advancing investment across the continent.

Their participation comes as Africa enters a period of rapid growth, driven by increased Merger & Acquisition (M&A) activity and continental efforts to alleviate energy poverty. Heightened M&A activity is expected to be fueled by strategic realignments among global independents, international oil companies and indigenous operators. At the same time, a slate of upcoming licensing rounds is expected to attract new investment across the oil and gas market, increasing spending across both mature and frontier basins. As international companies turn their focus on the continent, consultancy companies with a deep understanding of the market are expected to play a role in facilitating transactions, instilling investor confidence and supporting companies as they navigate the changing dynamics of the industry.

Improved market intelligence and clearer risk perception are transforming how investors view Africa’s oil and gas markets

McKinsey & Company Africa has been a long-standing advisor to governments, national oil companies and investors across the continent, providing strategic guidance on industrial policy, infrastructure and energy transition planning. The company helps clients pursue sustainability, inclusion and growth, aligning closely with Africa’s broader goals of advancing both an energy transition and strengthening energy security. By integrating robust analytics and policy insight, the firm is helping African governments create data-backed pathways toward industrialization and energy diversification. Its work underscores the importance of transparency and competitiveness in making African markets more attractive to global financiers.

Meanwhile, Deloitte continues to support the growth of Africa’s energy sector through a range of services – from audit and assurance to consulting to tax and related services. The company currently has offices in 12 African countries and a presence in 17 as well as the ability to serve 52 nations across the continent. The company is committed to supporting clients navigate Environmental, Social and Governance trends, providing clients with the tools to align their operations and investments with international standards. As Africa’s oil and gas sector continues to grow, these services will be instrumental in supporting companies as navigate the complexities of the global energy transition.

“Improved market intelligence and clearer risk perception are transforming how investors view Africa’s oil and gas markets. For too long, outdated assumptions and incomplete data have inflated Africa’s perceived risk profile. Firms like McKinsey and Deloitte are changing that narrative, providing the insights, analytics and governance frameworks that allow investors to see the continent for what it truly is: a dynamic, high-return opportunity. By driving transparency and data-led decision-making, they are helping unlock the capital Africa needs to develop its resources responsibly and competitively,” states NJ Ayuk, Executive Chairman of the AEC.

As the continent positions itself at the center of global energy supply diversification, collaboration with strategic advisors such as McKinsey and Deloitte will be essential. Their insights on risk management, policy innovation and ESG alignment will help ensure that Africa’s oil and gas growth story is not only profitable but also sustainable and inclusive.

To register for the Forum click here (https://apo-opa.co/3LFpsLN).

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Energy Chamber.

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ExxonMobil Backs Angola’s Next Growth Phase as Gold Sponsor of Angola Oil & Gas (AOG) 2026

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ExxonMobil

ExxonMobil joins AOG 2026 as Gold Sponsor, reinforcing its commitment to Angola as the country advances a $70 billion upstream investment strategy

LUANDA, Angola, July 21, 2026/APO Group/ –ExxonMobil has joined Angola Oil & Gas (AOG) 2026 as a Gold Sponsor, reinforcing its long-term commitment to one of Africa’s largest upstream markets. Taking place in Luanda from September 9–10 – with a pre-conference day on September 8 – AOG 2026 will bring together operators, investors, financiers and policymakers as Angola pursues more than $70 billion in upstream investment to sustain production and unlock new exploration opportunities.

 

ExxonMobil has been a cornerstone of Angola’s offshore industry for more than three decades and remains one of the country’s leading international operators, with interests in producing deepwater Blocks 15, 17 and 32. The company continues to support Angola’s objective of maintaining production above one million barrels per day while advancing the next generation of deepwater investment.

Momentum accelerated in 2026 with the redevelopment of Block 15, where ExxonMobil awarded a major EPCI contract for the Likembe Redevelopment 2.0 Project. The subsea tie-back development is designed to restore and increase production by leveraging existing infrastructure, extending the productive life of one of Angola’s most prolific offshore assets while improving capital efficiency.

The redevelopment follows the extension of the Block 15 production sharing agreement, which supports continued operations and new investment across the asset. The renewed framework paves the way for additional redevelopment activity while extending the operational life of the Kizomba A, Kizomba B, Mondo and Saxi-Batuque FPSOs. Together with an 18-well redevelopment campaign that increased production by approximately 30% and discoveries such as Bavuca South-1 and Likembe-01, the project underscores ExxonMobil’s strategy of maximizing value from mature deepwater assets while pursuing production growth.

Alongside redevelopment, ExxonMobil continues to expand its long-term exploration portfolio. The company is evaluating opportunities in Angola’s frontier Namibe Basin following completion of the basin’s first exploration well and has continued geological studies to assess future investment potential. Company executives have reaffirmed their commitment to further investment in Angola while advanced data analysis is used to determine the basin’s long-term resource potential.

ExxonMobil’s participation as a Gold Sponsor reinforces AOG 2026 as the premier platform for shaping Angola’s upstream future. As the country advances licensing opportunities, mature field redevelopment and frontier exploration, the conference will provide a forum for operators, government and investors to examine the partnerships, technologies and capital required to sustain long-term production growth. ​

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

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Meren Energy to Spotlight Production Growth and Orange Basin Strategy as African Energy Week (AEW) 2026 Silver Partner

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Meren Energy

Meren Energy will showcase its Nigerian production growth, Orange Basin strategy and Venus development ambitions as a Silver Partner at African Energy Week 2026

CAPE TOWN, South Africa, July 21, 2026/APO Group/ –Independent E&P company Meren Energy will participate at African Energy Week (AEW) 2026 – taking place in Cape Town from October 12–16 – as a Silver Partner, showcasing its evolution into a major independent upstream producer with a balance portfolio spanning high-margin production in Nigeria and world-class exploration opportunities across the Orange Basin. The company arrives at the event following a transformational year marketed by a corporate rebrand, a major portfolio consolidation and a sharpened focus on delivering long-term production growth.

 

Formerly Africa Oil Corp., Meren Energy completed its corporate rebrand in May 2025, reflecting its transition from an exploration-led company into a full-cycle upstream producer. The transformation accelerated with the completion of its Prime Oil & Gas consolidation in July 2025, which doubled the company’s working interest production and reserves while strengthening its cash flow through expanded interests in Nigeria’s prolific deepwater assets.

Today, Nigeria represents the cornerstone of Meren’s business. Through interests in Prime, the company holds stakes in some of the country’s largest offshore producing fields, including Akpo, Egina and Agbami. These assets underpin virtually all of the company’s current cash flow, benefitting from premium Brent-linked pricing, low lifting costs and long-life production.

Meren Energy represents the evolution of Africa’s independent upstream sector

The strategy has translated into a strong financial position. During the first quarter of 2026, Meren reported entitlement production of approximately 31,000 barrels of oil equivalent per day (bpd) while maintaining guidance for an average of roughly 30,000 bpd for the year. The company also strengthened its balance sheet by refinancing its reserve-based lending facility, increasing commitments to $600 million with maturity extended to 2032, while continuing to return capital to shareholders through quarterly dividends.

Alongside its producing portfolio, Meren is positioning itself for the next phase of growth through one of the world’s most closely watched emerging petroleum provinces: the Orange Basin.

In Namibia, the company retains an effective interest in the giant Venus discovery through its investment in Impact Oil & Gas. Following a corporate restructuring announced in May 2026, Impact has become a streamlined Namibia-focused company dedicated to advancing the Venus development toward final investment decision. The project, led by TotalEnergies, ranks among Africa’s largest recent offshore discoveries and is expected to become one of the continent’s most significant new sources of oil production later this decade.

While Impact concentrates exclusively on Namibia, Meren continues to directly hold an 18% interest in South Africa’s Block 3B/4B in the Orange Basin, where high-impact exploration drilling is anticipated. The company also maintains operated exploration acreage in Equatorial Guinea, providing additional long-term exploration upside alongside its producing assets. ​

“Meren Energy represents the evolution of Africa’s independent upstream sector. By combining strong producing assets with strategic investments in frontier basins like the Orange Basin, the company is demonstrating how African-focused independents can deliver both shareholder value and long-term energy development,” says NJ Ayuk, Executive Chairman, African Energy Chamber.

At AEW 2026, Meren Energy is expected to engage investors, operators and government stakeholders on opportunities across its diversified portfolio, with particular emphasis on the Venus development, exploration potential in South Africa’s Orange Basin and continued investment in Nigeria’s offshore sector. As a Silver Partner, the company reinforces its commitment to advancing Africa’s next generation of upstream projects while supporting the continent’s growing role in global energy supply.  ​

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Energy Chamber.

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London Showcase to Bring Venezuela’s Energy Opportunities to Global Investors Ahead of 2026 Summit

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A high-level London industry showcase on July 30 will bring together UK and European investors, financiers and energy leaders to explore emerging opportunities across Venezuela’s oil, gas and power sectors ahead of Venezuela Energy Week 2026

LONDON, United Kingdom, July 17, 2026/APO Group/ –As Venezuela accelerates efforts to revitalize its energy sector and attract international investment, Venezuela Energy Week 2026 will host an exclusive Industry Showcase in London on July 30, bringing together investors, financial institutions, international oil companies, commodity traders and energy executives for market intelligence, networking and partnership development ahead of the flagship conference taking place this October in Caracas.

 

Designed as a strategic preview of the main event, the London showcase will provide UK and European stakeholders with first-hand insight into Venezuela’s evolving investment landscape while creating opportunities for commercial dialogue with industry leaders, potential partners and key decision-makers.

Home to the world’s largest proven oil reserves and significant natural gas resources, Venezuela is entering a new phase of energy development focused on increasing production, expanding gas commercialization and modernizing critical infrastructure. Ongoing reforms and renewed international engagement are creating opportunities for companies able to provide capital, technology and technical expertise.

The timing is particularly significant as several UK and European energy companies continue to strengthen their presence in Venezuela. UK-based majors Shell and BP are advancing key natural gas developments, with Shell preparing for 2027 drilling at the Dragon offshore gas project and BP signing agreements in April to develop the Cocuina-Manakin offshore gas field, marking its return to the Venezuelan market. Spain’s Repsol recently announced plans to increase production from its Venezuelan assets, while Italy’s Eni is relaunching a heavy crude project in the Orinoco Belt. France’s Maurel & Prom, meanwhile, remains a key partner in strategic assets such as the Urdaneta Oeste field. On the trading and commercialization front, Geneva-headquartered energy trader Vitol has renewed its engagement with Venezuelan crude exports, reflecting broader international interest in reconnecting the country’s resources with global markets.

Against this backdrop, the London Industry Showcase will highlight Venezuela’s re-emerging investment potential while creating a platform for strategic networking and direct engagement with government leaders, national energy companies, regulators and private sector partners.

The event is expected to attract representatives from investment funds, export credit agencies, commercial banks, private equity firms, commodity traders, engineering companies, technology providers and UK-based independent energy companies exploring opportunities across Venezuela’s energy value chain.

The showcase will also provide an exclusive preview of Venezuela Energy Week 2026, including ministerial dialogues, executive forums, technical conferences and dedicated business-to-business networking sessions designed to connect international investors with the decision-makers shaping the country’s energy future.

Taking place on October 26–29, 2026 in Caracas, Venezuela Energy Week serves as the country’s premier platform for advancing investment across the oil, gas and power sectors. By bringing the conversation to London – one of the world’s leading financial and energy centers – the Industry Showcase builds momentum ahead of the flagship event while strengthening ties between international capital and one of the world’s most resource-rich energy markets.

To participate in the London Industry Showcase on July 30 or secure your place at Venezuela Energy Week 2026 in Caracas this October, contact info@venezuelaenergyweek.com to learn more about delegate, sponsorship and partnership opportunities.

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/3RKKqfz).

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

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