- The African Energy Week 2025 will host a new forum for national and international oil companies to drive Africa’s hydrocarbon exploration and development.
- A key objective of the NOC-IOC Forum will be to promote local capacity building, ensuring that African talent is equipped with industry-relevant skills.
The upcoming African Energy Week (AEW): Invest in African Energies conference will introduce the first National Oil Company (NOC) and International Oil Company (IOC) Forum. This high-level platform will accelerate investment, foster cross-border collaboration and drive Africa’s hydrocarbon exploration and development.
This landmark forum, set to take place in Cape Town, South Africa, will unite public and private sector leaders to shape the future of Africa’s oil and gas industry. Discussions will involve joint decision-making, data sharing, and strategic partnerships to unlock new exploration opportunities.
The forum arrives at a crucial time when both NOCs and IOCs are deepening their engagement in Africa’s energy sector. Several key developments are already transforming the industry:
- South Africa: TotalEnergies is advancing plans to drill its first exploration well, block 3B/4B, leveraging extensive seismic data to explore the region’s oil and gas reserves.
- Angola: Sonangol is intensifying exploration on Block 6/24, conducting seismic data reprocessing to evaluate its commercial viability.
- Equatorial Guinea: GEPetrol and Panoro Energy are assessing Block EG-23 with potential plans for new drilling activities.
- The Republic of Congo: Société Nationale des Pétroles du Congo is engaging IOCs in developing a Gas Master Plan and modernising its gas regulatory framework to attract further investment.
In addition, global energy giants are reinforcing their foothold in Africa through strategic acquisitions and new agreements:
- Chevron has secured production-sharing contracts (PSCs) for two offshore blocks in Equatorial Guinea.
- Petrobras, the Brazilian NOC, acquired a 10% stake in the Deep Western Orange Basin in South Africa, aiming to expand its African footprint.
- Sinopec signed a $850 million contract with Sonatrach in Algeria, securing the right to explore and develop the Hassi Berkane North license.
A key objective of the NOC-IOC Forum will be to promote local capacity building, ensuring that African talent is equipped with industry-relevant skills. Efforts are already underway to strengthen expertise in oil and gas operations, some of which include:
- Namibia’s NAMCOR has partnered with QatarEnergy to train its workforce as the country targets its first oil production by the end of the year.
- Mozambique’s Empresa Nacional de Hidrocarbonetos has signed an agreement with Saipem to expand offshore drilling services, reinforcing state involvement in energy projects.
- NAMCOR and SLB have collaborated to enhance operational performance in green hydrogen, decarbonisation, and sustainable energy.
At the regulatory level, African governments are taking steps to modernise policies and attract investment.
The Republic of Congo, for example, is developing a new gas code to support IOC involvement. At the same time, major players such as Eni and TotalEnergies continue expanding their projects, including a $5 billion LNG initiative.
NJ Ayuk, Executive Chairman of the African Energy Chamber, highlighted the significance of the NOC-IOC Forum, stating,
“The launch of this forum marks a pivotal moment for Africa’s energy sector. By positioning key national and international stakeholders in direct dialogue, the forum aims to drive investment, foster collaboration, and empower local talent. This is an exciting opportunity for both NOCs and IOCs to present their strategies, forge new partnerships, and contribute to the sustainable development of Africa’s hydrocarbon sector.”
As AEW: Invest in African Energies cements its status as the premier deal-signing platform for African energy, the NOC-IOC Forum is expected to play a crucial role in shaping policy, investment strategies, and partnerships that will define the continent’s energy future.