Angola’s Energy at 50: Delivering on Reforms, Building the Future.

By Ajong Mbapndah L

As Angola celebrates half a century of independence, the country’s energy sector stands at a defining moment — one shaped by resilience, reform, and the urgency of transformation. On the sidelines of the 5th edition of Africa Energy Week (AEW) in Cape Town, where Africa’s energy future takes center stage, Pan African Visions had the privilege of sitting down with Sergio Pugliese President of the Angola Chapter of the African Energy Chamber. In this candid conversation, he reflects on Angola’s energy journey, the impact of recent reforms, and the opportunities that lie ahead for both Angola and Africa at large.

Sergio, though the interview is about Angola, we are doing this interview on the sidelines of the AEW, and it’s its 5th edition. What are your impressions?

Africa Energy Week has grown into the most important stage for energy dialogue on the continent. At its 5th edition, the tone has clearly shifted — we are moving from ambition to delivery, where concrete projects, bankable deals, and stronger regional cooperation are defining the agenda.

For Angola, AEW is much more than an industry gathering; it is an international platform to showcase the impact of reforms initiated by H.E. President João Lourenço and executed with determination by H.E. Minister Diamantino Azevedo. Under their leadership, Angola has moved beyond its role as a traditional oil exporter to position itself as a regional hub for gas, logistics, refining, and new energies.

The Angola Energy event came at a time when the country is celebrating 50 years of independence. What flare did this add to the event?

The 50th anniversary gave the Angola Energy platform a deeper, almost emotional significance. It wasn’t just an industry event — it became a moment of national reflection. Angola’s journey over the past five decades, from its first oil exports to becoming one of Africa’s leading producers, has been one of resilience, sacrifice, and progress. Energy has truly been the backbone of our independence and sovereignty.

But this milestone was not only about honoring the past. It underscored the urgency of preparing for the next 50 years. Guided by President Lourenço’s vision and Minister Diamantino’s execution, Angola is diversifying — venturing into gas, downstream operations, petrochemicals, and renewable energies. The anniversary offered us a chance to pay tribute to our history while sending a strong message to investors: Angola is reform-driven, serious about sustainability, and determined to build an energy future for generations to come.

President Lourenço honored the event with his presence. What did this mean to you and the team that put it together?

It was an immense honor and a moment of national pride. The presence of H.E. President João Lourenço validated the Angola Energy platform as not just an industry event but as a central vehicle for policy dialogue and investment promotion.

For our team, it was deeply encouraging. It showed the alignment between leadership and execution: the President provides a reformist vision, and Minister Diamantino translates that vision into tangible policy delivery. Having the President with us reinforced the responsibility we carry — to keep delivering platforms that don’t just convene people but deliver real results.

 From the energy perspective, how has Angola fared in its 50 years of independence?

Angola has made remarkable progress. From the 1970s until today, hydrocarbons have powered the nation’s economy, enabling infrastructure development, social programs, and wider national growth. Yet, we must be honest: this reliance has been cyclical, and over-dependence on oil revenues has exposed us to global market shocks.

That is why the next chapter must focus on balance. Angola is unlocking its gas reserves, investing in refining and petrochemicals, and embracing renewable energy. Financing will be decisive. Without adequate global financial participation, Angola — and indeed Africa — cannot build the infrastructure needed to transform resources into real development. This is not only an Angolan necessity; financing African energy is part of ensuring global energy security and advancing a just energy transition.

Under President Lourenço, what are some of the major reforms that have taken place, and how are they impacting Angola’s development fortunes?

The reforms have been transformational. President Lourenço had the courage to restructure the sector — separating Sonangol’s role as operator from that of regulator, empowering the ANPG, liberalizing downstream markets, and strengthening local content frameworks. These steps created a more transparent and competitive environment that investors recognize and appreciate.

But reforms on paper are not enough. They must be matched with financing and execution. Minister Diamantino has carried the President’s agenda with discipline, positioning Angola as a credible destination for global capital. Now, the onus is on international investors to seize these opportunities. Financing hydrocarbons here is not contradictory to the energy transition; rather, it provides the foundation we need to address energy poverty while preparing for a diversified future.

Still on the energy sector, how would you sum up the potential and opportunities? Any advice for investors?

Angola’s potential is vast. From deepwater oil reserves to onshore gas, from modular refineries and petrochemicals to renewables and even hydrogen — the portfolio is unmatched on the continent. But the decisive factor remains financing. Investors who bring both capital and technology will find Angola ready to unlock long-term value.

My advice is straightforward: partner locally, align with Angola’s national development goals, and think long-term. Angola is reform-driven, politically stable, and strategically positioned. Those who invest today will benefit tomorrow. And let me be clear: without financing Africa’s oil and gas, there can be no real energy security — not for Angola, not for Africa, and not even for the world.

Looking to the future, what makes you hopeful about Angola’s energy outlook, and what concerns do you have?

I am hopeful because the fundamentals are strong: our geology remains world-class, our government is committed to reform, and our people are young, ambitious, and skilled. With President Lourenço’s strategic vision and Minister Diamantino’s disciplined execution, Angola has the rare combination of leadership and delivery that inspires confidence.

My main concern is the global financing environment. If international banks and institutions withdraw from hydrocarbons too abruptly, millions of Africans could remain in energy poverty. The world must understand that financing Africa’s resources is not charity — it is about stability, shared security, and prosperity for all.

And as we look ahead, I want to express my deep gratitude to MIREMPET, ANPG, IRDP, Sonangol, the international oil companies, and all the service providers, national and international. Their partnership made Angola Oil & Gas 2025 and our 50th independence anniversary celebrations possible. Together, we are not only commemorating history but also building the foundations of Angola’s energy future.

“If the world is serious about fighting energy poverty, it must finance Africa’s resources responsibly and urgently — because financing oil and gas here ensures stability for the world and prosperity for our people, today and for generations to come.”

*Culled from October Edition of PAV Magazine