A strong lineup of international oil and gas companies is expected to gather in Aberdeen next month for the Wider Africa Energy Summit (WAES) 2025, an event designed to connect European operators and service providers with emerging opportunities across Africa’s energy markets.
The two-day summit, taking place from November 18–19, is organized by OGV Group in partnership with the African Energy Chamber (AEC), the Society of Petroleum Engineers, the Energy Industries Council, the Scottish African Business Association, the UK-Ghana Chamber of Commerce, and the Global Underwater Hub.
According to the organizers, the conference aims to bridge continents by positioning Aberdeen as a hub for dealmaking, partnerships, and investment in Africa’s upstream and midstream energy sectors. The event is expected to serve as a platform for industry leaders to exchange insights, explore new ventures, and strengthen cooperation across borders.
Major Operators to Participate
The summit will feature participation from several leading global operators, including Shell, bp, Harbour Energy, Canadian Natural Resources, and Serica Energy, underscoring continued investor interest in Africa’s hydrocarbons sector despite the global shift toward renewables.
Shell, which continues to expand its operations across the continent, will highlight progress on key projects in Namibia, Nigeria, and Angola. The company is preparing for a new drilling campaign at PEL 39 in 2026 following its Graff discovery, and recently reached a final investment decision for its HI gas project in Nigeria, which is expected to produce about 350 million cubic feet of gas per day. Shell also returned to Angola this year through a new deal for Block 33.
bp is expected to share updates on its liquefied natural gas (LNG) developments in Mauritania, Senegal, and Mozambique, including the Greater Tortue Ahmeyim (GTA) project, which started production in 2025 with commercial operations beginning in July. The company is advancing work on the project’s second phase and has also begun gas production at Egypt’s Reven Infills project.
Harbour Energy, one of the world’s largest independent producers with a daily output of around 450,000 barrels, maintains a strong gas portfolio in Algeria, Libya, and Egypt. Canadian Natural Resources and Serica Energy are also participating, reflecting ongoing interest in strategic African opportunities.
Service Providers Eye Expanding African Markets
Organizers say this year’s edition will also focus on strengthening links between African governments, national oil companies, and international service providers as demand grows for partnerships that balance operational efficiency with sustainability.
NOV has built a broad presence across Ghana, Nigeria, Angola, South Africa, Kenya, and other markets, emphasizing digitalization and technology-driven performance. Oceaneering recently renewed a major inspection services contract across West Africa, while Expro continues to support projects in well construction, production optimization, and decommissioning across sub-Saharan Africa.
Modec, a global provider of floating production systems, also maintains an extensive footprint in Senegal, Ivory Coast, Ghana, Nigeria, and Cameroon, and will feature prominently at WAES 2025.
Building New Bridges for Growth
Industry observers note that the summit comes at a time when Africa’s natural gas potential and upstream developments are attracting renewed global attention. Organizers believe WAES 2025 will help strengthen trade, investment, and supply chain connections between Africa and Europe.
The event will include high-level panel discussions, networking sessions, and presentations highlighting opportunities across exploration, production, and energy transition initiatives.
