Equinor praises Angola oil reforms, foresees production and investment growth
Norwegian multinational energy firm Equinor has commended Angola鈥檚 recent Incremental Production Decree as a landmark reform that enhances the country鈥檚 ability to attract oil and gas investments, while boosting production and driving economic growth. The African Energy Chamber (AEC), as the voice of the African energy sector, proudly endorses Equinor鈥檚 statement recognizing Angola鈥檚 well-structured oil and gas reforms as a powerful model for attracting investment and boosting hydrocarbon development across the continent.
Angola's Incremental Production Decree, implemented in November 2024, introduces progressive fiscal terms aimed at attracting investment and boosting oil and gas production. The decree enhances the commercial viability of developing fields in mature blocks, underexplored areas and stranded resources, while encouraging exploration near existing infrastructure. By enabling increased recovery from producing fields and extending the lifespan of critical infrastructure, the decree is set to generate billions in offshore investments, create jobs and drive economic growth, solidifying Angola鈥檚 position as a leading oil and gas producer.
鈥淭he new terms are able to increase investment and boost oil and gas production in Angola, as they improve the commerciality of developing fields in mature blocks and underdeveloped areas,鈥 said Nina Koch, Senior Vice President in Africa for Equinor, Koch highlighted that these reforms pave the way for developing stranded resources, fostering exploration near existing infrastructure and enhancing recovery from producing fields 鈥 critical steps to counteract declining production.
This decree is certainly strengthening the business case for many projects in Equinor鈥檚 portfolio, including lifetime extension opportunities for infrastructure in our partnerships
This decree builds upon a series of bold measures Angola has undertaken in recent years to revitalize its oil and gas sector. These include regulatory simplifications, improved licensing rounds and fiscal adjustments that make the business environment more competitive and investor-friendly. As Koch noted, 鈥淭his decree is certainly strengthening the business case for many projects in Equinor鈥檚 portfolio, including lifetime extension opportunities for infrastructure in our partnerships.鈥 She emphasized that these initiatives could bring billions of dollars in offshore investments, create jobs and generate revenues that benefit Angola鈥檚 economy and society.
With Equinor鈥檚 endorsement, the Incremental Production Decree also aligns with broader strategies to extend the lifecycle of assets and maximize value. Koch added, 鈥淭he new fiscal terms can work as a catalyst in our strategy to extend the longevity of our production outside Norway, while securing value for decades to come for our partnerships and the Angolan society.鈥
鈥淭he Angolan government deserves recognition for taking this step,鈥 said NJ Ayuk, Executive Chairman of the AEC. 鈥淓quinor鈥檚 acknowledgment of these reforms underscores Angola鈥檚 leadership in adapting to industry demands, and we believe these efforts provide an outstanding case study for other African nations seeking to attract investment and foster sustainable energy development.鈥
The AEC remains committed to supporting initiatives that unlock the full potential of Africa鈥檚 energy resources. Angola鈥檚 success demonstrates the transformative power of proactive governance, innovative fiscal policies and collaboration between governments and industry leaders.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Energy Chamber.