Angola and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) are deepening oil and infrastructure ties through joint hydrocarbon exploration, power grid integration and transport development. Initiatives such as the joint development of Block 14/23 – situated in the Maritime Zone of Common Interest -, regional electricity interconnection projects and the Lobito Corridor railway are expected to bolster cross-border trade and fuel security, highlighting the value of regional partnerships.
The Angola Oil & Gas (AOG) conference stands as a vital platform for consolidating regional oil, gas and infrastructure ties. Returning for its next edition from September 3-4 in Luanda, the event has long-served as a strategic driver of Angola-DRC partnerships, with deals and dialogue re-shaping bilateral relations. AOG 2025 builds on this momentum to further strengthen cross-border partnerships.
Oil Exploration and Development
Last month, Angola’s government approved an agreement that outlines revenue distribution and compliance obligations for Block 14/23, which the country is co-developing with the DRC. Approved by Angola’s President Joao Lourenco on April 23, the Management, Revenue Sharing and Compliance of Tax Obligations Agreement relates to the exploration of Block 14/23, which is situated in the Maritime Zone of Common Interest between the countries.
Earlier this year, the Angolan parliament unanimously approved a proposal allowing President Lourengo to amend the oil concession for Block 14 ~ situated in the Lower Congo Basin – separating the Negaje and Menongue development areas to form part of the Block 14/23 concession. This adjustment is set to redefine the block’s boundaries, enhance geological understanding and counter production decline.
The amendment is expected to unlock reserves of 298 million barrels, secure a $15 million signature bonus and generate $5.7 billion in revenue through taxes and national payments to Angola’s national concessionaire the National Agency for Petroleum, Gas and Biofuels. While extending beyond Angola’s geographic borders into the Maritime Zone of Common Interest, Block 14/23 will be operated under Angolan law by the same contractor group, which consists of energy major Chevron (operator), international energy company Azule Energy, energy corporation Galp and Angola’s state-owned Sonangol E&P.
Regional Infrastructure Drive
The energy, development and infrastructure partnership between Angola and the DRC is emerging as a cornerstone for regional cooperation and economic integration in Africa. In 2025, Angola is set to launch construction on a 260-km stretch of the Benguela Railway as part of the ambitious Lobito Corridor initiative. The $10 billion initiative aims to transform regional trade by connecting Angola’s Lobito Port to the mining provinces in the DRC and Zambia. Backed by a $200 million investment from the Development Bank of Southern Africa, the railway project will streamline mineral exports — particularly copper and cobalt —
by enhancing cargo transport and lowering export costs.
Meanwhile, in March 2023, Angola formally joined the Boucle de ’Amitié Energetique project, a strategic EU-backed initiative set to begin this year. The 1,400 kV power line will link the electricity grids of Angola, the DRC and the Republic of Congo, addressing persistent regional electricity shortages. This tripartite energy collaboration is expected to boost power generation, stabilize regional grids and energize industrial zones,
strengthening both economic development and political cooperation.
AOG: Driving Angola-DRC Deals
Continued participation by the government of the DRC at Angola’s largest oil and gas event AOG has paved the way for greater collaboration between the nations in the fields of oil, gas and infrastructure. New terms for the co-development of Block 14/23 were signed during AOG 2024 last October by Angola’s Ministry of Mineral Resources, Oil and Gas and the DRC’s Ministry of Hydocarbons. Under the deal, both countries agreed to hold a 30% stake in the block, while Chevron will hold a 40% majority interest. During the same event, the respective
finance ministries of Angola and the DRC signed a cooperation agreement, further expanding bilateral ties. These deals highlight the role AOG plays as a platform to advance partnerships.
Source: Energy Capital & Power
