Angola Oil & Gas 2026 conference to spotlight onshore revival and industry collaboration

The Angola Oil & Gas 2026 conference (AOG), now entering its seventh edition, is scheduled to take place in September in Luanda, bringing together government leaders, international and local operators, financiers and service companies.

The 2026 conference is positioned as a catalyst for up to $70bn in investment across the upstream value chain, which will help to translate Angola’s licensing success into deliverable projects, the African Energy Chamber (AEC) said in a press release.

According to the AEC, independent oil and gas companies are becoming more active in Angola’s onshore basins, especially Kwanza and Congo, as they run seismic surveys, build acreage positions and prepare for drilling that could add new reserves and extend the life of the country’s hydrocarbons sector.

“After decades defined by deepwater success, Angola’s upstream sector is rediscovering its onshore potential. Previously overshadowed by prolific offshore blocks, the country’s inland basins are re-emerging as a strategic frontier – not led by supermajors, but by independent oil and gas companies willing to take early-stage risk in pursuit of long-term value,” the AEC noted.

One of the most active new entrants is Nigerian energy company Oando (NGX:OANDO), an integrated oil and gas group, which entered Angola’s upstream sector in early 2025 as the operator of Block KON 13 in the onshore Kwanza Basin, holding a 45% stake. The block is being developed as a long-term exploration play linked to offshore geological analogues.

UK-based junior explorer Corcel (AIM:CRCL) has consolidated just over 70% of Block KON 16, alongside partners including Canadian upstream investor Sintana Energy (TSXV:SEI). According to the AEC, Corcel is progressing technical studies and seismic work ahead of drilling planned for 2026.

Canada-listed ReconAfrica (TSXV:RECO), a frontier basin explorer, has also secured access to large inland areas under an agreement with Angola’s regulator ANPG. Local firms Etu Energias and Alfort Petroleum are advancing seismic interpretation, with Alfort planning a well proposal for Block KON 8 in 2026.

Angola has drawn more independent investment inland by reforming its licensing and regulatory framework. As the AEC points out, since launching a multi-year licensing round in 2019, the government has regularly awarded new onshore and offshore concessions, reducing uncertainty and giving companies greater visibility to plan exploration over the medium term.

In parallel, Angola introduced a permanent offer regime, which allows firms to negotiate access to open blocks outside formal bidding rounds. This has been especially appealing to independents, as it offers flexibility and faster market entry. Together with risk service contracts and marginal field frameworks, these measures provide several pathways for companies with different funding capacities and risk profiles to invest in Angola’s onshore sector.

According to AEC’s executive chairman NJ Ayuk, these policy tools will facilitate industry dialogue at the AOG 2026 conference, which has become a central platform for advancing the country’s onshore ambitions.

“By spotlighting onshore basins alongside offshore developments, AOG provides a forum for independents to showcase progress, secure partnerships and align with Angola’s long-term energy strategy,” says Ayuk.

“As the country looks to sustain production and attract diversified capital, the return to onshore – led by agile, exploration-focused companies – is becoming an increasingly important part of the narrative. In this new chapter, Angola’s inland basins are no longer a legacy asset, but a frontier once again shaping the future of its oil and gas industry.”