Angola’s energy landscape is experiencing a shift with the identification of the Gajajeira field, recognized as the first well fully dedicated to gas exploration in the country. This development comes as Angola seeks to increase the role of natural gas in its energy mix, traditionally dominated by crude oil production. The joint venture Azule Energy, alongside Equinor, Sonangol E&P, and Acrep Angola S.A., led this drilling campaign on block 1/14, located in the Lower Congo Basin.
A structured strategy for energy diversification
The background to this discovery is marked by the recent adoption of the National Gas Master Plan (NGMP), officially established by the Angolan government. This plan aims to structure the gas industry, secure domestic supply, and raise the share of gas to 25% of the energy mix in the short term, compared to approximately 7 to 10% previously. Angola’s earlier gas production primarily originated from oil operations as associated gas, mainly reinjected or flared for technical reasons.
The roadmap provides for reduced flaring and the development of reservoirs containing only natural gas. It aligns with the intention to support local demand, ensure the supply of the Angola LNG (Angola Liquefied Natural Gas) liquefaction plant, and structure new industrial, petrochemical, and liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) uses.
Deployment of new projects and expansion of national capacities
The Angolan state, through Sonangol, is involved in several structuring projects, notably the Quiluma and Maboqueiro gas fields, for which a Final Investment Decision (FID) was made in July 2022. Their production is expected by 2026. The inclusion of the Gajajeira field adds to this portfolio, with resources estimated at more than 1 trillion cubic feet of gas and around 100 million barrels of associated condensates.
These resources strengthen the potential supply base for the Angola LNG plant, which has a capacity of 5.2 million tonnes per year of liquefied natural gas (LNG) and is considering an expansion with a study for an additional 3-million-ton mini-train. The government is also planning the gradual conversion of diesel power plants to gas, as well as the development of a dedicated residential network, thereby supporting the objective of increasing local value addition.
Sector impact and regional outlook
The new gas orientation comes with a geographical diversification of exploration activities, beyond historically oil-focused zones. Projects are announced in the Kwanza and Benguela basins, in addition to ongoing initiatives in the Lower Congo. Economically, according to the African Development Bank (AfDB), oil accounted for about 30% of Angola’s gross domestic product in 2023. The government’s goal remains to maintain oil production at around 1.1 million barrels per day until 2027.
The discovery of the Gajajeira field fits within a regional trend marked by the development of new gas projects across Africa. For comparison, Gajajeira’s reserves remain lower than those of major projects like Greater Tortue Ahmeyim (Senegal–Mauritania), Coral South, or Mamba (Mozambique), which are estimated at 15, 10, and 30 trillion cubic feet of natural gas, respectively. No development schedule has yet been announced for Gajajeira, as the block’s partners have not communicated any final investment decision at this stage.
The facts presented highlight the evolution of the gas sector in Angola and the multiplication of national initiatives. The sector remains under international scrutiny as capacities, exploitation, and prospects for gas valorization could influence the structuring of regional markets.
