Angola Unleashes New Oil Frontier: Onshore Licensing Round Set for Late 2025

Angola, a powerhouse in African oil production, is setting the stage for a significant push to revitalize its crucial energy sector. The National Agency for Oil, Gas and Biofuels (ANPG) has officially announced plans for a new, highly anticipated oil and gas licensing round slated for late 2025. This strategic initiative is designed to unlock new potential and reverse the trend of declining production.

The upcoming round will place a strong emphasis on onshore blocks situated within the promising Kwanza and Congo basins.

These regions are believed to hold substantial untapped reserves, making them prime targets for exploration and development. For a nation where oil accounts for approximately 90% of exports and 30% of its Gross Domestic Product, boosting production is not just an economic goal but a national imperative.

This isn't Angola's first foray into attracting fresh investment through licensing rounds.

The ANPG previously held a round for onshore blocks in the same Kwanza and Congo basins between 2020 and 2021, and another for offshore blocks in the Namibe and Benguela basins in 2023. These past efforts underscore Angola's commitment to maintaining its position as Africa's second-largest oil producer, despite facing the natural challenges of mature fields.

President João Lourenço’s administration has consistently championed economic diversification to reduce the nation's heavy reliance on crude oil.

However, the immediate future sees the oil sector remaining the primary engine of government revenue and foreign exchange. Therefore, attracting new operators and investment through rounds like the one planned for 2025 is critical for stabilizing the economy while longer-term diversification strategies take root.

Beyond new exploration, Angola is also proactively working to optimize existing fields and enhance recovery rates.

The combination of optimizing current assets and opening up new frontiers through strategic licensing rounds demonstrates a comprehensive approach to securing the future of its vital oil and gas industry, ensuring sustained growth and revenue for the nation.