In a release published last month, it is noted that the upcoming Angola Oil & Gas (AOG) conference – taking place from October 2 and 3 under the theme ‘Crude to Commercial’ – will include a panel discussion on the country’s refining plans and other investment opportunities across the oil and gas value chain.

The panel will explore the role the downstream industry plays in fuelling economic development, and speakers will provide project updates, discuss areas of opportunity, and outline strategies for connecting Angola to regional markets.

These topics of discussion come as a result of Angola’s ongoing efforts to expand its refining capabilities, with the latest being the country’s almost-completed Cabinda refinery, which is set to be operational by July 2025, and is expected to have the capacity to produce between 30 000 bbl/d and 60 000 bbl/d.

While Angola represents sub-Saharan Africa’s second largest oil producer, the country’s sole operating refinery – the 65 000 bbl/d Luanda refinery – only meets 20% of domestic demand.

Inadequate investment across the downstream industry has led to a reliance on imported petroleum. However, the construction of new refining, pipeline and logistics hubs promises to turn this trend around.

Therefore, in addition to the Cabinda refinery, Angola is developing the 100 000 bbl/d Soyo refinery and the 200 000 bbl/d Lobito refinery– both of which target first production in 2025.

The Lobito refinery alone will bolster Angola’s refining capacity by 200%. In March 2024, engineering firm KBR won a project management contract for the Lobito facility.

Beyond refining, integrated infrastructure projects promise new opportunities for regional distribution. Angola is constructing an integrated terminal and logistics hub in Soyo, with a capacity to produce 65 000 bbl/d and store 2-million barrels. The project will become operational by 2026.

Additionally, the Kwanza Terminal Pipeline Routes project will have a capacity to produce 25 000 bbl/d and store 1-million barrels, with operations set to start by 2029.

Existing and upcoming infrastructure projects aim to support the development of new concessions, particularly as a 2025 Limited Tender opens a further ten blocks up for exploration.

The expansion of Angola’s downstream industry will not only significantly enhance the availability and affordability of Angolan petroleum products but create newfound economic opportunities for the country. From construction to transportation, and research and development through to manufacturing, downstream projects can serve as a catalyst for broader economic growth in Angola.

Taking place with the full support of the Ministry of Mineral Resources, Oil and Gas, national oil company Sonangol, the National Oil, Gas & Biofuels Agency, the African Energy Chamber, and the Petroleum Derivatives Regulatory Institute, the Angola Oil & Gas 2024 event is a platform for various refining industry players to sign deals and advance Angola’s oil and gas industry.