Regulatory reform is emerging as a decisive factor in Africa’s push to raise oil and gas output and attract new investment, with leading producers such as Angola, Nigeria and the Republic of Congo demonstrating how clearer rules and targeted incentives can deliver tangible results.
Angola has positioned itself as one of Africa’s most proactive reformers, rolling out multi-year licensing rounds, establishing the National Oil, Gas & Biofuels Agency and introducing measures such as the incremental production decree.
The reforms have revived exploration in frontier and mature basins, leading to discoveries including ExxonMobil’s Likember-01 and Azule Energy’s Block 1/14 gas find.
Integrated developments such as Kaminho, Agogo and the New Gas Consortium project are helping sustain production above 1 million barrels per day, with authorities citing a projected investment pipeline of about $70 billion over the coming years.
Nigeria has also underscored the impact of reform through the Petroleum Industry Act of 2021, which streamlined licensing and reduced bureaucratic hurdles.
The changes are aimed at restoring investor confidence and lifting output toward a target of 2.5 million barrels per day.
Licensing rounds held in 2024 and 2025 have further boosted interest, with a November 2025 bid round offering 50 blocks and targeting $10 billion in new investment.
The Republic of Congo is pursuing similar measures as it targets production of 500,000 barrels per day and seeks to expand liquefied natural gas capacity to 3 million tons per year.
Planned reforms include a Gas Master Plan, a dedicated Gas Code and new licensing rounds, alongside ongoing projects such as TotalEnergies’ $600 million investment in Moho Nord and the second phase of Congo LNG, which began operations in November 2025.
The experiences of Africa’s largest producers are increasingly shaping policy choices in emerging markets.
Namibia, following major offshore discoveries in the Orange Basin, is targeting first oil by 2029 through projects led by TotalEnergies and Galp, while a December 2025 onshore discovery by ReconAfrica has added to its prospects.
Analysts say stable fiscal regimes and predictable regulation will be key as the country moves from exploration to development.
Uganda, which expects first oil from the Kingfisher and Tilenga fields in 2026, is also drawing lessons from regional peers.
Its development strategy includes the 1,443-kilometre East African Crude Oil Pipeline linking Lake Albert to Tanzania’s Port of Tanga, highlighting the importance of aligning upstream, midstream and industrial policies.
As discoveries mature across the continent, experts say regulatory frameworks must evolve from exploration-focused policies toward comprehensive strategies covering development, commercialization and exports.
That shift is expected to feature prominently at African Energy Week 2026, where governments, regulators and investors will exchange best practices.
“Africa’s energy future will be built by countries that embrace reform, attract investment and move fast,” said NJ Ayuk, executive chairman of the African Energy Chamber.
“Policy clarity, stability and bold decision-making remain central to unlocking projects and expanding access to energy.”
By Winston Mwale, AfricaBrief