Angola to Launch Major Oil and Gas Licensing Round in Late 2025
Angola is preparing to launch its next oil and gas licensing round in the fourth quarter of 2025, offering exploration blocks in the Kwanza and Benguela basins.
Minister of Mineral Resources, Petroleum and Gas Diamantino Azevedo announced the move during the Angola Oil & Gas Conference and Exhibition, emphasizing that it forms part of the government’s broader strategy to sustain national oil production above one million barrels per day (bpd) beyond 2026. The initiative comes as Angola faces declining output from mature wells.
“We have a goal to maintain production at around one million barrels per day in the coming year. While there are several developments underway, many of our fields are mature, and our solution is to look for new deposits,” Azevedo stated.
The upcoming round will conclude a licensing strategy launched in 2019 aimed at awarding 50 concessions across the country.
It will feature acreage in proven hydrocarbon zones, expected to attract new investment and exploration activity in Angola’s upstream sector.
The process will complement the permanent offer regime and marginal field development program, both designed to unlock value from smaller or underdeveloped assets.
Azevedo highlighted that Angola’s flexible licensing framework and recent legislative reforms have already encouraged participation from both new investors and existing operators.
Beyond attracting foreign capital, the government is placing strong emphasis on local content development.
Azevedo reaffirmed the administration’s commitment to empowering Angolan entrepreneurs and companies to take a more active role in the industry’s future.
“We want to see more Angolans participating in the industry. National companies should play a greater role in our economic growth, and we are working on legislation that will support this,” he said.
The 2025 licensing round is expected to serve as a cornerstone of Angola’s energy strategy — reinforcing its position as one of Africa’s leading oil producers while promoting domestic capacity, sustainability, and long-term sectoral growth.
