Africa’s National Oil Companies (NOCs) are transitioning from being state representatives to becoming competitive upstream players. By partially privatizing, transferring regulatory roles to independent entities, and acquiring more assets, NOCs are strengthening their positions as strategic partners for international oil companies (IOCs).
Boosting Oil and Gas Production
Several African countries are prioritizing production growth through NOC-IOC partnerships. Libya’s NOC is working with Repsol, BP, TotalEnergies, and ConocoPhillips to raise output to two million barrels per day. Algeria’s Sonatrach aims to increase hydrocarbon production by 2.5% in 2025 while forging new partnerships with ExxonMobil and Chevron.
Expanding Gas Monetization
Africa is emerging as a major liquefied natural gas (LNG) producer. Senegal and Mauritania’s NOCs have partnered with BP and Kosmos Energy on the Greater Tortue Ahmeyim LNG project, which produced its first LNG in January 2025. Mozambique’s ENH is collaborating with TotalEnergies, ExxonMobil, and Eni to advance multiple LNG projects, further solidifying Africa’s role in the global gas market.
Unlocking New Exploration and Production Markets
Namibia’s NAMCOR is working toward first oil production from the Orange Basin by 2029, targeting higher stakes in future projects. Uganda’s UNOC is developing the Kingfisher and Tilenga oilfields, aiming for first production in 2025. South Africa’s newly established National Petroleum Company is also facilitating investment in exploration and infrastructure development.
Fostering Collaboration at African Energy Week 2025
African Energy Week, scheduled for September 29–October 3, 2025, in Cape Town, will provide a platform for discussions on NOC-IOC collaboration, investment opportunities, and policy developments shaping Africa’s energy landscape.
Source: African Mining Market
Hon. Justice Suleman Galadima JSC, OFR, CFR (Rtd.)
Chairman African Peace Organization (UK, Nigeria Angola & South Africa)
