Angola’s national oil company, Sonangol, is expanding its role across the country’s energy sector as major investments in oil production, refining and petroleum infrastructure move forward.
Sonangol Chairman Sebastião Gaspar Martins will participate in the Angola Oil & Gas (AOG) 2026 Conference & Exhibition, scheduled to take place in Luanda from September 9 to 10, with a pre-conference programme on September 8.
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Martins’ participation comes as Angola seeks to maintain oil production while expanding domestic refining capacity and strengthening energy security. The Sonangol chairman is expected to discuss the company’s strategic priorities and opportunities for international investment and partnerships.
Angola advances major offshore oil projects
Sonangol is strengthening its upstream portfolio through partnerships with international energy companies.
In June 2026, Sonangol joined Azule Energy, Equinor and Angola’s National Oil, Gas and Biofuels Agency (ANPG) in reaching a final investment decision on the $5.1 billion Greater PAJ development covering Blocks 31 and 31/21.
The project is expected to develop an estimated 252 million barrels of reserves through a floating production, storage and offloading vessel (FPSO) with production capacity of approximately 95,000 barrels per day. First oil is targeted for 2029.
Sonangol is also participating in the Kaminho project, alongside TotalEnergies and Petronas. The development will exploit resources from the Cameia and Golfinho fields in the Kwanza Basin using an FPSO capable of producing around 70,000 barrels per day, with first oil expected in 2028.
In Angola’s shallow waters, Sonangol is conducting infill drilling activities in Blocks 3/05 and 3/05A, including the Pacassa SW well and the planned Impala-2 development well.
Sonangol expands exploration and financing
The company is also pursuing exploration activities in the Kwanza and Lower Congo basins. Sonangol operates Blocks KON 11, 12 and 15 in the Kwanza Basin and maintains interests in other exploration acreage.
Its exploration and production programme received additional financial support in June through a $2.65 billion financing package arranged by a group of international lenders.
The financing is expected to support Sonangol’s continued investment in Angola’s upstream oil and gas sector as the company seeks to expand production and develop new resources.
Refining becomes a strategic priority
Beyond crude oil production, Sonangol is contributing to Angola’s efforts to increase domestic refining capacity and reduce reliance on imported petroleum products.
The first phase of the Cabinda Refinery was inaugurated in September 2025. The refinery is planned to eventually process 60,000 barrels per day, with Sonangol holding a 10% stake.
The company is also involved in efforts to secure financing for the Lobito Refinery, a major project with a planned capacity of 200,000 barrels per day. The facility is expected to become Angola’s largest refinery, with the first phase targeted for completion in 2027.
With investments spanning exploration, offshore production, refining and infrastructure, Sonangol is positioning itself as a central player in Angola’s strategy to strengthen its energy industry and attract further international capital.The company’s presence at AOG 2026 will provide investors, operators and financial institutions with an opportunity to engage with Sonangol’s leadership as Angola prepares for its next phase of energy development.
