Angola Celebrates Major Gas Discovery in Gajajeira-01 Well and Expands Energy Development Efforts
Angola has achieved a major milestone in its natural gas sector with the discovery of significant gas reserves in the Gajajeira-01 well, located offshore in Block 1/14 in the Lower Congo Basin.
The announcement was made jointly by the National Agency of Petroleum, Gas, and Biofuels (ANPG) and Azule Energy.
Azule Energy, the operator of Block 1/14 with a 35% stake, partners with Equinor (30%), Sonangol E&P (25%), and Acrep S.A. (10%) in this venture.
Drilled on April 1, 2025, the Gajajeira-01 well lies at a depth of 95 meters and about 60 kilometers offshore.
It encountered gas- and condensate-bearing sandstones in the Lower Oligocene layer known as LO100.
According to preliminary assessments, the discovery could hold more than 1 trillion cubic feet of gas and up to 100 million barrels of associated condensate.
Fluid samples indicate the presence of multiple reservoirs with excellent mobility, confirming a viable hydrocarbon system and opening new exploration opportunities in the area.
Azule Energy’s CEO, Adriano Mongini, hailed the discovery as a turning point:
“This is a landmark moment for gas exploration in Angola. The Gajajeira-01 well is the first dedicated gas exploration well in the country.
Its success reinforces our confidence in the potential of the Lower Congo Basin. We are proud to contribute to Angola’s long-term energy development, focusing on sustainability and energy security.”
ANPG Chairman Paulino Jeronimo emphasized the strategic significance of the find:
“These new discoveries are a powerful motivator in our efforts to attract private investment and monetize natural gas resources.
This supports energy access, strengthens domestic consumption, and bolsters Angola’s petrochemical and fertilizer industries.”
The well’s initial section was drilled using advanced formation assessment tools to ensure operational safety and accurate reservoir evaluation. Drilling is ongoing, with the next target being the L0300 interval in the Lower Oligocene.
Further reinforcing Angola’s energy sector, the country inaugurated a state-of-the-art Training Center for Drilling, Completion, and Well Control in Luanda.
The facility, affiliated with the National Petroleum Institute (INP), was officially opened by Minister of Mineral Resources, Oil and Gas Diamantino Azevedo and Minister of Public Administration, Labor and Social Security Teresa Dias.
Built to international standards, the center is designed to train up to 800 professionals annually.
It features cutting-edge virtual reality (VR) technology for immersive simulation of drilling operations, as well as a certified simulator laboratory for skill assessment and certification aligned with IWCF and IADC standards.
INP Director-General Joaquim Alegria noted the center’s game-changing impact:
“Until now, well control certification was only available abroad at high cost. Today, Angola offers this capability locally, meeting all international requirements.”
In another notable development, ANPG and the Block 15 Contracting Group—including ExxonMobil (operator), Azule Energy, Equinor, and Sonangol—signed an addendum to the Production Sharing Agreement (PSA).
The agreement extends the production period from 2032 to 2037 and includes an additional $3 million in investment, which is expected to boost oil reserves by approximately 200 million barrels.
This series of advancements marks a transformative week for Angola’s oil and gas industry, highlighting its growing role as a key player in the region’s energy future.
