British Company Afentra Emerges as Major Partner in Angola Oil Operations
Independent British exploration and production company Afentra has established itself as a significant international partner of Angola’s national oil company Sonangol, achieving remarkable production results in offshore operations. Block 3/05, where Afentra holds substantial stakes, recorded average gross production exceeding 21,000 barrels of crude oil per day during the first half of this year.
The company completed a strategic $100 million acquisition in 2024, partnering with Trafigura to secure 12% and 16% non-operating interests in Blocks 3/05 and 3/05A offshore, respectively, from Azule Energy. Founded in 2021 by former Tullow executives, Afentra prioritized Angola due to market maturity, major international player presence, and availability of mid-life assets suitable for optimization.
Afentra has consolidated a diversified portfolio in the Kwanza Basin, including offshore Blocks 3/05 and 3/05A, three onshore licenses (KON4, KON15, and KON19), and offshore Block 23. The company highlighted KON4, awaiting ratification, which encompasses the Quenguela Norte field, the largest onshore discovery in the Kwanza Basin with estimated potential exceeding 200 million barrels of oil.
These investments align with Angolan government and National Agency for Petroleum, Gas, and Biofuels reforms designed to encourage reinvestment in mature assets and attract new operators. The government’s Incremental Production initiative, launched in 2024, is already yielding visible results alongside renewed exploratory activity in deep offshore areas and the Kwanza Basin.
Source: angolanminingoilandgas.com
