Luanda, Angola – The Minister of Mineral Resources, Petroleum and Gas, Diamantino Azevedo, called on foreign investors to explore opportunities in Angola’s onshore oil sector.
Speaking at the opening of the 2nd Onshore and Inland Basins Exploration Forum in Luanda, the minister urged international stakeholders to bring technology, capital, and expertise to the country.
Azevedo emphasized that strengthening Angola’s oil industry requires building a collective capacity to attract investment, promote innovation, and maintain a stable, transparent, and competitive regulatory framework.
He reaffirmed the Angolan government’s commitment to fostering an attractive business environment by facilitating investment, ensuring legal security, and promoting mutually beneficial partnerships.
“Much of our territory remains unexplored, with data awaiting reinterpretation and untapped opportunities,” he said. He noted that structural reforms are underway to make the Angolan market more appealing to both domestic and international investors.
Addressing key industry challenges, Azevedo stressed the need to secure a results-oriented and sustainable business environment.
He acknowledged concerns over the low level of exploration activity, reflected in the underperformance of several work programs, and emphasized that the government is prioritizing solutions.
The minister assured that the government is ready to collaborate with partners to overcome identified constraints and stimulate exploration in onshore blocks in the Lower Congo and Kwanza basins, among others.
He also highlighted the importance of knowledge-sharing and technological innovation as essential tools to respond to the global, regional, and local challenges facing the petroleum industry.
Acknowledging environmental concerns, Azevedo recognized that some of the inland basins are located in environmentally sensitive areas, and emphasized that Angola takes this issue seriously. Specific environmental legislation has been enacted to regulate oil operations in these regions.
“It is possible to explore responsibly. The government expects that each onshore investment also demonstrates a firm commitment to preserving environmental and social heritage,” he said.
The 2nd Onshore and Inland Basins Exploration Forum, organized by the National Agency for Oil, Gas and Biofuels (ANPG), brought together over 300 industry professionals. Over two days, participants will discuss key topics including:
Exploration in Sensitive Areas
Regulation and Accessibility
Challenges and Experiences
Onshore Opportunities: Reality and Outlook
Land Access and Seismic Data Processing
Imaging Technologies and Demining Challenges in the Basin
