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Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) Upstream Market Grows Amid Angolan Collaboration

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Upstream Market

With a 30-block licensing round underway and a recent deal inked with Angola for the collaborative development of Block 14, the DRC’s upstream market is growing rapidly

JOHANNESBURG, South Africa, July 14, 2023/APO Group/ — 

The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) is undertaking an ambitious upstream drive in the hopes of attracting new players to the market, increasing production and ushering in a new era of energy security for the central African nation. While a 30-block licensing round currently underway is set to open the market up for frontier exploration, a new deal signed with Angola is expected to kickstart a wave of oil and gas developments on the back of cross-border knowledge sharing.

The Ministry of Hydrocarbons of the DRC and the Ministry of Mineral Resources, Petroleum and Gas of Angola are set to sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for the co-ownership and development of the Chevron-operated Block 14, which is located on the maritime border of the two countries. The signing will formalize the countries shares in the Block, with both the DRC and Angola retaining 30% ownership each while Chevron holds the remaining 40%. Set to be signed on July 13, 2023 in Kinshasa, the MoU will unlock a new era of cooperation regarding offshore energy development between the two hydrocarbon-producing countries.

We see the DRC’s target of increasing production from 23,000 barrels of oil per day to between 500,000 and one million barrels turning into a reality from such a cooperation

The African Energy Chamber (AEC), as the voice of the African energy sector, strongly commends and supports the DRC and Angola for reaching the agreement as it will pave the way for a new chapter of cooperation between the two countries in addressing oil and gas industry challenges in the energy transition era. Notwithstanding the opportunities for Angola, the deal will bolster DRC exploration at a time when global stakeholders are calling for an end to fossil fuel investments.

Representing a relatively untapped hydrocarbon market, the DRC is inviting E&P players to capitalize on the country’s promising on- and offshore acreage. To date, licenses have been awarded for only three Lake Kivu gas blocks, and with 27 blocks still up for grabs, the country offers lucrative opportunities for frontier E&P players. Stepping into this picture, the DRC-Angola deal is set to trigger a wave of interest in the central African market as the major oil producer leverages its expertise to grow the DRC offshore market. The deal is not only a testament to both countries’ stability but to their focus on strengthening bilateral cooperation in pursuit of energy security. For other regional nations, the deal serves as a benchmark, while for foreign players, a demonstration of political will and support for offshore exploration.

With Angola’s National Oil Company (NOC) Sonangol in the process of privatizing, the country is positioning the NOC as a competitive operator. This spells new opportunities for collaboration between the respective NOCs of Angola and DRC, with Sonahydroc – the DRC’s NOC – standing to learn a great deal from its regional counterpart. Under the terms of the Block 14 deal, Sonangol will be writing off a $200 million debt for Sonahydroc, enabling the NOC to prioritize funding towards the development of Block 14. This is a testament to not only the potential of the Block but to Angola’s commitment to furthering regional collaboration.

“The AEC strongly supports the DRC and Angola for reaching an agreement on the co-development and monetization of resources on Block 14. We are confident that the deal will not only benefit the two countries but will unlock regional energy market growth. We see the DRC’s target of increasing production from 23,000 barrels of oil per day to between 500,000 and one million barrels turning into a reality from such a cooperation. For Africa to make energy poverty history on the back of its oil and gas resources, cooperation amongst countries is key. Senegal and Mauritania have set an example on the Greater Tortue Ahmeyim development and now the DRC and Angola are following suit on Block 14,” stated NJ Ayuk, the Executive Chairman of the AEC.

The AEC, through the upcoming African Energy Week (AEW) conference and exhibition – scheduled for 16 – 20 October 2023 in Cape Town – will unite African governments and NOCs with global project developers and investors to discuss and sign deals for the development of the continent’s estimated 125.3 billion barrels of crude oil and 620 trillion cubic feet of natural gas resources. For more info about AEW, visit www.AECWeek.com

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Energy Chamber.

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Genesis Energy Chief Executive Officer (CEO) to Discuss Energy Expansion at Congo Energy & Investment Forum

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Genesis Energy

Akinwole Omoboriowo II will discuss Genesis Energy’s plan to deliver 10.5 GW of power across Africa, highlighting how Nigeria’s power sector experience can inform the development of the Republic of Congo’s domestic energy grid and gas export potential

BRAZZAVILLE, Republic of the Congo, January 20, 2025/APO Group/ — 

Akinwole Omoboriowo II, CEO of Genesis Energy, will speak at the Congo Energy & Investment Forum (CEIF) in Brazzaville this March, where he will discuss the company’s plans to deliver 10.5 GW of power across Africa, with a focus on energy initiatives that align with the Republic of Congo’s energy development goals.

Genesis Energy is driving transformational power projects, including providing 334MW to the Port Harcourt Refinery in Nigeria and plans to produce 1 GW within the WAEMU region. In October 2024, Genesis and BPA Komani announced their strategic partnership to mobilize capital and facilitate critical infrastructure projects focused on renewable energy, particularly Battery Energy Storage Systems across Africa. Additionally, Genesis’ recent MOU with the U.S. Agency for International Development will mobilize $10 billion for green energy and renewable projects, supporting Africa’s transition to a sustainable energy future.

The inaugural Congo Economic and Investment Forum, set for March 25-26, 2025 in Brazzaville, will bring together international investors and local stakeholders to explore national and regional energy and infrastructure opportunities. The event will explore the latest gas-to-power projects and provide updates on ongoing expansions across the country.

During CEIF 2025, Omoboriowo will explore how Genesis’ successful energy infrastructure development projects in Africa, combined with private sector innovation, can guide the Republic of Congo in strengthening its energy security and achieving its decarbonization goals. By leveraging its expertise in clean energy and strategic partnerships, Genesis Energy is poised to play a key role in helping the Republic of Congo harness its energy potential and expand its regional energy influence.

The Republic of Congo’s renewable energy sector is in a phase of growth, with increasing interest in solar, hydro and wind energy projects. Battery energy storage capacities are also gaining traction as a vital component of the country’s energy infrastructure, helping to balance supply and demand. The government is focusing on diversifying its energy mix to reduce dependency on fossil fuels and enhance grid reliability. Looking ahead, the Congo aims to expand its renewable energy capacity and integrate storage solutions to meet growing domestic and regional energy needs while supporting environmental sustainability.

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

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Eni, TotalEnergies Announce New Exploration Projects in Libya

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National Oil Corporation

Eni is launching three exploration plays, TotalEnergies is expecting promising results from its recent onshore exploration project, and other developments were shared during an upstream IOC-led panel at the Libya Energy & Economic Summit

TRIPOLI, Libya, January 19, 2025/APO Group/ — 

Libya’s National Oil Corporation (NOC) and international energy companies TotalEnergies, Eni, OMV, Repsol and Nabors outlined key exploration milestones and strategies to advance oil and gas production in Libya at the Libya Energy & Economic Summit 2025 on January 18.

Among the key developments highlighted were TotalEnergies’ recent onshore exploration project and promising exploration opportunities in the Sirte and Murzuq basins.

“With 40% of Africa’s reserves, Libya remains largely untapped,” said Julien Pouget, Senior Vice President for the Middle East and North Africa at TotalEnergies. Pouget shared TotalEnergies’ plans for 2025, including the completion of an onshore exploration project and new exploration in the Waha and Sharara fields. “We expect results next week,” he added.

Luca Vignati, Upstream Director at Eni, echoed optimism for Libya’s potential and outlined the company’s ongoing investment initiatives in the country. “We are launching three exploration plays – shallow, deepwater and ultra-deep offshore. No other country offers such opportunities,” Vignati stated. He also highlighted the company’s investments in gas projects, including over $10 billion for the Greenstream gas pipeline and a CO2 capture and storage plant in Mellitah.

Repsol affirmed its commitment to advancing exploration in Libya, focusing on overcoming industry challenges and achieving significant production milestones.

We have 48 billion barrels of discovered but unexploited oil, with total potential estimated at 90 billion barrels, especially offshore

“Over the past decade, Libya has made remarkable efforts to fight natural field decline and encourage exploration,” said Francisco Gea, Executive Managing Director, Exploration & Production at Repsol. “We have reached 340,000 barrels per day. The two million target is within reach, and as international companies, we have the responsibility to bring capacity and technology.”

“Innovation is key to maximizing production and accelerating exploration. By deploying cutting-edge solutions, Nabors can enhance efficiency, reduce costs and ensure safer operations,” added Travis Purvis, Senior Vice President of Global Drilling Operations at Nabors.

Bashir Garea, Technical Advisor to the Chairman of the NOC, highlighted the country’s immense oil and gas potential. “We have 48 billion barrels of discovered but unexploited oil, with total potential estimated at 90 billion barrels, especially offshore,” he said. He also pointed to Libya’s sizable gas reserves, noting, “Libya has 122 trillion cubic feet of gas yet to be developed. To unlock this potential, we need more investors and new technology, particularly for brownfield revitalization.”

“Our strategy spans the entire value chain. Strengthening infrastructure is essential to maximizing production and efficiency,” said Hisham Najah, General Manager of the NOC’s Investment & Owners Committees Department.

NJ Ayuk, Executive Chairman of the African Energy Chamber and session moderator, underlined Libya as a prime destination for foreign investment: “Libya is at the cusp of a new energy era. The time for bold investments and strategic partnerships is now.”

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

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Libya’s Oil Minister: Brownfields, Local Investment Key to 2M Barrels Per Day (BPD) Production

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Libya’s Oil & Gas Minister outlined plans to boost production to 1.6 million bpd in 2025 and 2 million bpd long-term, with brownfield development and local investment at the core, during the Libya Energy & Economic Summit

TRIPOLI, Libya, January 19, 2025/APO Group/ — 

Libya is setting its sights on boosting oil production to 2 million barrels per day (bpd) within the next two to three years, with brownfield development and local investment identified as critical drivers of this growth. Speaking at the Libya Energy & Economic Summit (LEES) in Tripoli on Saturday, Minister of Oil and Gas Dr. Khalifa Abdulsadek outlined the country’s strategy to reach 1.6 million bpd by year-end and laid the groundwork for longer-term growth.

“There are massive opportunities here, massive fields that have been discovered, but a lot of fields have fallen between the cracks,” stated Minister Abdulsadek during the Ministerial Panel, Global Energy Alliance – Uniting for a Secure and Sustainable Energy Future. “We want to make sure local oil companies take part. We also want to leverage the upcoming licensing round to support our planned growth in the oil sector.”

The minister’s remarks were complemented by a strong call for international participation in Libya’s upcoming licensing round, signaling the government’s commitment to fostering collaboration and maximizing the potential of its energy sector.

Highlighting Libya’s vast natural gas potential – with reserves of 1.5 trillion cubic meters – Mohamed Hamel, Secretary General of the Gas Exporting Countries Forum, stressed the need for enhanced investment in gas projects. He pointed to ongoing initiatives like the $600 million El Sharara refinery as opportunities to stimulate economic diversification.

There are massive opportunities here, massive fields that have been discovered, but a lot of fields have fallen between the cracks

“Natural gas is available,” Hamel stated, adding, “It is the greenest of hydrocarbons and we see natural gas continuing to grow until 2050.”

The panel also tackled the global energy transition, emphasizing Africa’s unique challenges and the need for the continent to harness its resources to achieve energy security. Dr. Omar Farouk Ibrahim, Secretary General of the African Petroleum Producers Organization (APPO), underscored the critical need for finance, technology and reliable markets to drive progress.

“At APPO, we have noted three specific challenges for the African continent. Finance, technology and reliable markets,” he stated, questioning whether Africa can continue to depend on external forces to develop its resources.

As one of Africa’s top oil producers, Libya holds an estimated 48 billion barrels of proven oil reserves. The country’s efforts to expand production, attract investment and drive innovation are central to the discussions at LEES 2025. Endorsed by the Ministry of Oil and Gas and National Oil Corporation, the summit has established itself as the leading platform for driving Libya’s energy transformation and exploring its impact on global markets.

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

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