AOG Announces 2025 Award Winners in Historic Edition Celebrating 50 Years of Angolan Independence
The AOG conference has officially announced the winners of the 2025 Awards, in a historic edition marked by the celebration of 50 years of Angolan independence. Recognizing excellence across the entire oil, gas, and infrastructure value chain, this year’s awards highlight the projects, companies, and personalities driving the country’s development through innovative initiatives.
Lifetime Achievement Award: José Maria de Vasconcelos
Angola’s longest-serving Petroleum Minister, José Maria Botelho de Vasconcelos, was honored with the Lifetime Achievement Award for his central role in petroleum diplomacy and sector reforms. His leadership over several decades solidified Angola’s reputation as a benchmark producer and strengthened its voice in international energy affairs.
Lifetime Achievement Award: Joaquim David
Former Petroleum Minister Joaquim David was also honored with the Lifetime Achievement Award in recognition of his lasting contributions to Angola’s oil sector. His strategic role and commitment to institutional development helped create solid regulatory and operational foundations that still underpin the national industry today.
Innovative Project of the Year: Agogo Integrated West Hub Development
Azule Energy’s Agogo Integrated West Hub Development project, which began production in July 2025, won the Innovative Project of the Year Award for establishing itself as one of the most transformative initiatives in Angola. The project includes the world’s first FPSO with carbon capture and storage capabilities, making it a global benchmark in sustainable offshore development and reinforcing the country’s production outlook.
Explorer of the Year: Block 1/14 Consortium
The Block 1/14 consortium – comprising Azule Energy, Equinor, Sonangol, and ACREP – received the Explorer of the Year Award for the recent gas discovery in the Gajajeira-01 exploration well, located in the Lower Congo Basin. This achievement highlights the importance of collaboration in advancing new exploratory frontiers and unlocking Angola’s non-associated gas potential.
National Company of the Year: Opaia Group & SONAGAS
Opaia Group and SONAGAS were jointly awarded the National Company of the Year prize for the Soyo Fertilizer Industrial Complex project, valued at $2.2 billion. With the capacity to produce 1.2 million tons of fertilizers per year, the project will transform Angola’s agricultural sector, create thousands of jobs, and demonstrate the role of natural gas in economic diversification.
Corporate Social Responsibility Initiative of the Year: Sonangol
Sonangol was awarded the Corporate Social Responsibility Initiative of the Year prize for its social investment programs, which continue to improve health, education, and community development in Angola. Among these initiatives is SonaJovem, which will introduce 50 high-impact startups to the market. Even during its transformation phase, Sonangol maintains its commitment to sustainable development and corporate responsibility.
National Service Company of the Year: KAESO Energy Services
KAESO Energy Services received the National Service Company of the Year Award for its exceptional contribution to Angola’s upstream sector. As a rapidly growing service provider, the company has ensured technical excellence in exploration and production projects, establishing itself as a trusted partner in the national energy landscape.
Downstream Operator of the Year: Cabinda Refinery
The Cabinda Refinery was awarded the Downstream Operator of the Year prize for advancing Angola’s refining capacity and energy security. With the commencement of its first phase of operations on September 1, the project represents a decisive step towards reducing dependence on fuel imports and creating new industrial opportunities.
