Africa’s oil and gas industry is set for a transformative year as exploration activities intensify across the continent. African Energy Week (AEW): Invest in African Energies 2025 will provide insights into these developments, highlighting major drilling projects in Namibia, Angola, Libya, and Nigeria. Discussions will focus on investment, infrastructure, and regulatory frameworks, shaping the future of Africa’s energy sector.
TotalEnergies’ Venus appraisal in Namibia
Following the Venus-1 discovery in 2022, TotalEnergies continues its appraisal in Namibia’s Block 2913B. The Venus prospect is considered one of the largest oil finds in sub-Saharan Africa. Drilling and well testing in 2025 will determine reserve estimates and guide development. If confirmed commercially viable, the project could attract substantial investment in Namibia’s oil sector.
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Azule Energy’s exploration wells in Angola
Azule Energy, a joint venture between bp and Eni, is expanding its exploration in Angola. The company plans to drill multiple offshore wells in the Lower Congo and Kwanza Basins. This campaign aligns with Angola’s strategy to sustain production levels and attract foreign investment. Successful discoveries could extend the country’s oil production horizon.
Africa Oil Corp.’s deepwater drilling in Nigeria
Nigeria’s offshore sector remains active, with Africa Oil Corp. progressing its drilling plans in the Akpo and Egina fields. A seismic acquisition at Agbami, completed in late 2024, is being processed for a 2026 campaign. These efforts aim to enhance production and optimise resource recovery in the deepwater sector.
ReconAfrica’s onshore drilling in Namibia
ReconAfrica continues its onshore drilling in the Kavango Basin, seeking to confirm a working petroleum system. Previous results have been inconclusive, but new wells in 2025 could provide clarity. A breakthrough in this frontier basin would expand Namibia’s onshore energy potential.
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Eni’s Sirte Basin program in Libya
Eni is advancing its offshore drilling in Libya’s Sirte Basin. The company has four exploration wells planned for 2025, targeting shallow, deepwater, and ultra-deep offshore prospects. These activities support Libya’s upstream growth and reinforce its role in the regional energy market.
Call for investment and policy support
NJ Ayuk, Executive Chairman of the African Energy Chamber, emphasised the need to accelerate exploration efforts. “Oil and gas is the lifeblood of our civilization, therefore exploration is the arteries and veins. We need to continue promoting policies that can fast-track exploration. The African Energy Chamber (AEC) will continue working with governments and the oil companies to attract foreign investment, streamline project implementation, and reduce bureaucratic bottlenecks. We will see results at AEW: Invest in African Energies in Cape Town South with G20 leaders participating for the first time.”
