African NOCs are evolving into competitive upstream players through privatization, regulatory shifts, and asset expansion, making them strong partners for foreign firms.Boosting ProductionAfrican NOCs and IOCs are driving oil output growth. Libya’s NOC collaborates with Repsol, bp, TotalEnergies, and others to reach 2 million bpd.
TotalEnergies boosted Waha field production by 20%, Repsol plans nine new wells, and Eni aims for four in 2025. Algeria’s Sonatrach targets a 2.5% output increase, seeking partnerships with ExxonMobil and Chevron.Advancing Gas MonetizationAfrica is expanding LNG production through NOC-IOC partnerships. Senegal’s Petrosen and Mauritania’s SMH worked with bp and Kosmos on the Greater Tortue Ahmeyim LNG project, producing first LNG in January 2025. Mozambique’s ENH partners with TotalEnergies, ExxonMobil, and Eni on major LNG developments, with ExxonMobil planning FID on Rovuma LNG in 2026.
Tanzania’s Petroleum Development Corporation, with Shell and Equinor, is advancing the Tanzania LNG project despite delays.In Angola, Sonangol and partners Azule Energy, Cabinda Gulf Oil, and TotalEnergies are boosting LNG capacity. They completed an offshore platform for Angola’s first non-associated gas project in February 2025, set to start production in early 2026.Unlocking New E&P MarketsRecent discoveries are expanding Africa’s oil and gas sector.
Uganda’s UNOC, with an increased budget of $246 million, is exploring new areas and will begin production at the Kingfisher and Tilenga fields in 2025.Namibia’s NAMCOR, collaborating with IOCs, plans first oil from the Orange Basin by 2029. Key projects include the Mopane field, which made its third discovery, and the Venus field, targeting FID in 2026. NAMCOR aims to increase its stakes in future projects to 20-30%.
South Africa’s SANPC, launched in September 2024, aims to boost exploration, gas monetization, and infrastructure. It seeks IOC partnerships to overcome challenges in the Outeniqua Basin and unlock the Orange Basin’s potential.African NOCs are leading oil and gas innovation through global partnerships and strengthened operations, showcasing their competitiveness, says Tomás Gerbasio, VP at African Energy Chamber.
