President João Lourenço of Angola has been named the ‘Energy Person of the Year’ by the African Energy Chamber (AEC), a recognition not just of leadership but of a bold energy revolution that has reshaped Angola’s position on the African and global stage.

Since taking office in 2017, Lourenço has led a sweeping transformation of Angola’s energy sector, reviving a struggling oil industry and opening the door to billions in new investment. 

The award reflects his strategic vision to modernize governance, improve transparency, and unlock long-term energy potential, all while steering Angola through a challenging energy transition.

At the heart of this transformation is a commitment to reform. Lourenço’s administration introduced innovative investment tools like risk service contracts and a permanent offer scheme, revitalizing investor interest in Angola’s oilfields. These changes were critical in reversing years of production decline and signaling a new era of opportunity.

A landmark move was the restructuring and ongoing privatization of Sonangol, Angola’s state oil company. This was paired with the creation of independent regulatory bodies and the overhauling of fiscal policies, which together made Angola’s energy sector more competitive and transparent.

“President Lourenço has not only been instrumental in shaping Angola’s energy sector but has significantly contributed to the growth of Africa’s oil and gas industry by working closely with international investors and promoting strategic reforms,” said NJ Ayuk, Executive Chairman of the AEC.

Under Lourenço’s direction, Angola is not resting on oil alone. The country is expanding its natural gas capacity and pushing into renewable energy and green hydrogen, signaling a broader strategy of energy diversification and sustainability.

Major projects like the Agogo Integrated West Hub Development and the Kaminho offshore initiative are redefining Angola’s upstream potential, while domestic refining capacity is growing through ventures such as the Cabinda oil refinery, which will add 60,000 barrels per day in its first phase.

Looking ahead, Angola’s energy ambitions are accelerating. A new licensing round in 2025 opens fresh opportunities in the Kwanza and Benguela Basins, with direct negotiations for marginal fields further encouraging exploration.

Backed by a $60 billion investment plan over five years, Angola is poised to maintain production above one million barrels per day beyond 2027 and strengthen its footprint across the entire energy value chain.

Lourenço’s efforts extend beyond national borders. His focus on regional partnerships, investor confidence, and economic stability has made Angola a model of reform-driven growth.

As the global energy landscape evolves, President João Lourenço is positioning Angola not just as a resource-rich nation but as a forward-thinking leader in Africa’s energy future.