Minister Diamantino Azevedo Receives Medal for Peace and Leadership in the Energy Sector as Angola Charts an Ambitious Energy Future
In recognition of a life dedicated to peace, development, and the advancement of Angola’s oil industry, Diamantino Pedro Azevedo, Minister of Mineral Resources, Petroleum and Gas, has been awarded the 50th Anniversary of National Independence Commemorative Medal, in the category of Peace and Development, by the President of the Republic of Angola, João Lourenço.
As a representative of Africa’s energy sector, the African Energy Chamber (AEC) expresses its full support for the distinction awarded to Minister Azevedo, whose visionary leadership has driven a new era of investment and growth in Angola’s energy sector.
Visionary Energy Leadership
A strong advocate for energy success in Africa through policy reforms, infrastructure modernization, and international investment attraction, the AEC praises Minister Azevedo’s bold strategy to transform Angola into a regional petroleum hub. Under his leadership, the country has implemented transformative initiatives, including:
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A $60 billion investment plan in the upstream sector
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A multi-phase refinery construction program
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Reforms in the licensing system
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Development of a future Gas Master Plan (GMP)
Major Projects and Energy Expansion
Minister Azevedo’s leadership has led to the creation of a project portfolio for the 2025–2028 period, with the potential to significantly boost production and drive development across various sectors.
Key projects include:
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Cabinda Refinery, set to begin operations in 2025 with a capacity of 60,000 barrels per day
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Agogo Integrated West Hub Development
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Kaminho Deepwater Project, expected to launch in 2026 and 2028, respectively
Angola is also advancing its first non-associated gas project, led by the New Gas Consortium, with implementation expected in 2026. Simultaneously, exploration will begin in the Etosha-Okavango Basin, while independent oil companies explore new opportunities in the onshore Kwanza Basin.
New Licensing and Marginal Fields Strategy
These developments are backed by a new licensing round planned for 2025, which will make available 10 offshore blocks in the Kwanza and Benguela basins, demonstrating Angola’s commitment to opening new exploration areas and attracting further investment.
Since the launch of the six-year licensing round in 2019, Angola has awarded 41 concessions to a variety of international and regional companies. Additionally, new opportunities in marginal fields have opened the door for smaller, independent operators to enter the market. Currently, five marginal fields are available, with prospects in Blocks 4, 14, 15, and 18.
To further strengthen investment, the government introduced a permanent offer program and, in 2024, launched the Incremental Production Initiative — designed to encourage reinvestment in mature fields. This initiative is already bearing fruit, with ExxonMobil announcing a new discovery in the Likembe-01 well, the first to be made under the program.
Gas Master Plan and Long-Term Strategy
As the country advances in diversifying its energy mix, the AEC strongly supports the imminent launch of Angola’s Gas Master Plan (GMP) — a 30-year strategy aimed at creating a competitive domestic gas market. The GMP is expected to provide clear policy guidance to investors while connecting upstream projects to local value chains.
Minister Azevedo is also leading efforts to extend the current licensing strategy beyond 2026, creating new opportunities for both frontier and onshore exploration.
Global Vision at Angola Oil & Gas 2025
During the Angola Oil & Gas 2025 conference, scheduled for September in Luanda, Minister Azevedo will deliver the opening address and participate in a high-level Fireside Chat, where he will outline the government’s vision to transform Angola into a globally competitive energy economy.
Held on the eve of the country’s 50th independence anniversary, the event will reflect on the role of oil and gas over the past five decades while envisioning a future grounded in:
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Political stability
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Innovation led by youth and women
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Infrastructure growth
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Regional integration
A Symbol of Peace and Progress
“Minister Azevedo has consistently shown that energy development is a pathway to peace, progress, and shared prosperity. The Chamber sees this medal not just as a personal honor, but as a symbol of what energy leadership can achieve when aligned with national development,” said NJ Ayuk, Executive Chairman of the AEC.
“We congratulate Minister Azevedo on this well-deserved recognition and reaffirm our commitment to continue working alongside Angola to build the next 50 years of success in the hydrocarbon sector.”
Source: African Energy Chamber
