Libya’s NOC and ExxonMobil

In August 2025, Libya’s National Oil Corporation signed an agreement with ExxonMobil to conduct geological and geophysical studies across four offshore blocks, marking the company’s most significant re-entry into Libya’s upstream sector in over a decade. The pact is expected to lead to seismic campaigns and technical evaluations, which, if results are positive, could pave the way for licensing discussions or farm-in arrangements. Its strategic importance lies not only in ExxonMobil’s technical and financial scale, but also in the signal it sends about Libya’s gradual reopening to major Western oil companies.

Nigeria’s REA and WeLight

Nigeria’s Rural Electrification Agency and WeLight entered into an MOU in March 2025 to develop renewable mini-grids and metrogrids aimed at expanding access to power in rural and peri-urban communities. Targeting 400 minigrids and 50 metrogrids by 2030, the initiative highlights how decentralized energy solutions are gaining traction in Africa’s largest economy. Implementation of such projects could contribute meaningfully to national electrification goals – improving access for up to two million people – and strengthen public-private cooperation in the clean energy space.

Etu Energias and Block 17/06

During African Energy Week 2025 in Cape Town, Angola’s Etu Energies secured structured financing to support its 7.5% stake in Block 17/06, home to the Begonia project, which began production earlier this year with an expected output of 30,000 barrels per day. Partners on the block include Sonangol E&P, SSI, Etu Energies and Falcon Oil, with TotalEnergies as operator. The financing will fund ongoing development activities, including infrastructure expansion and production optimization, which could increase output and operational efficiency in 2026. The deal highlights growing investor confidence in Angola’s upstream sector and underscores the role of African independent energy companies in driving production, local participation and value creation.

.Sonatrach and Occidental Petroleum

In Algeria, Sonatrach and U.S.-based Occidental Petroleum signed two MOUs in April 2025 to collaborate on hydrocarbon exploration and production. The agreements signal renewed engagement between Algeria and international operators as the country seeks to sustain output and expand export capacity. By combining Occidental’s technical expertise with Sonatrach’s established infrastructure, the partnership could help unlock new upstream opportunities in North Africa. Such MOUs often serve as a bridge from technical cooperation to commercial arrangements, depending on the host government’s support, exploration potential and fiscal terms.

Central African Pipeline System

In July 2025, the African Petroleum Producers’ Organization and several Central African governments signed a regional memorandum launching a feasibility study for the Central African Pipeline System (CAPS). The project envisions a multi-country oil and gas pipeline network aimed at enhancing regional energy security and market integration. While still in its early stages, the MOU reflects a coordinated effort to advance long-term infrastructure development across the region. A robust, well-funded feasibility study will be crucial before project sponsors or development finance institutions move into procurement or financing phases.

Mitrelli Group and HYDRO-LINK

Private-sector partners Mitrelli Group and HYDRO-LINK signed an MOU in 2025 to collaborate on a proposed 1,150-km transmission line linking Angola and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The interconnection would enhance power trade and grid stability between the two countries, supporting regional electrification goals. If progressed, the project could attract development finance institutions and export credit support given its cross-border and renewable integration potential.

Petromoc and Aiteo

In May 2025, Mozambique’s state-owned oil company Petromoc partnered with Nigeria’s Aiteo Eastern E&P to develop a modular oil refinery in Mozambique. The project aims to construct a facility with up to 200,000 barrels per day in processing capacity, producing gasoline, diesel, jet fuel and naphtha to address local demand and support regional trade. The initiative aligns with Mozambique’s strategy to enhance domestic refining capacity and reduce import reliance, while bolstering its position as a regional energy hub in Southern Africa.