Angola and the United States have reaffirmed their commitment to expanding energy cooperation following last week’s high-level discussions between Angolan Minister of Mineral Resources, Oil and Gas Diamantino Azevedo and US Secretary of Energy Chris Wright.
The meeting – held in Washington DC on 11 June and also attended by Angola’s ambassador to the US, Agostinho Van-Dúnem – focused on strengthening collaboration in oil and gas, critical minerals and renewable energy development.
“We are committed to working together to achieve a balanced energy transition – one that leverages Angola’s natural resources, advances technological cooperation and contributes meaningfully to our economic transformation and development goals,” Azevedo said on Wednesday.
With over nine billion barrels of proven oil reserves and 11 trillion cubic feet of natural gas, Angola has unveiled $60 billion in investment opportunities through its National Oil, Gas and Biofuels Agency (ANPG).
The country is set to launch a new licensing round, offering 10 blocks in the Kwanza and Benguela basins, alongside 11 additional blocks for direct negotiation.
US firms continue to play a pivotal role in Angola’s energy landscape.
ExxonMobil, in partnership with TotalEnergies, recently secured an extension for Block 17, ensuring continued deepwater exploration and development.
The company is also undertaking prospective studies on Blocks 17/06 and 32/21, in collaboration with TotalEnergies and ANPG, aiming to identify future drilling targets.
Meanwhile, Chevron, through its affiliate Cabinda Gulf Oil Company, has ramped up gas supply to Angola LNG, reinforcing its commitment to Angola’s gas sector.
Beyond hydrocarbons, Angola is actively diversifying its energy sector, attracting US investment in solar and green hydrogen projects.
The Cabinda Refinery, a $920-million project, is progressing with American firms engaged in engineering and procurement roles.
In addition, the US-backed Lobito Corridor, linking Angola’s Lobito port to Zambia and the DRC, is expected to boost regional energy transport and industrialization.
JN/APA