Wider Africa Energy Summit attracts global oil titans

• Wider Africa Energy Summit, which is set for 18—19 November in Scotland will see giants Shell, bp, Harbour Energy, Canadian Natural Resources, and Oceaneering explore the continent’s oil and gas potential.
• oil and gas experts are set to share ideas and emerging opportunities on Africa‘s oil and gas business.

At the forthcoming Wider Africa Energy Summit (WAES) in Aberdeen, Scotland, leading investors in the continent’s energy sector will converge to discuss potential and emerging opportunities in oil and gas industry as the area evolves into new frontier for growth.

According to organisers of the Wider Africa Energy Summit, which is scheduled for 18th to 19th November, international oil and gas companies, leading service providers with strategic in the sector will converge to network, share ideas and opportunities in Africa’s oil and gas business.

This year’s conference features a strong slate of international and African companies, providing a fertile ground for new deals between players in the industry.

Organised by Scotland-based engagement platform in the energy industry OGV Group in partnership with the African Energy Chamber, the Society of Petroleum Engineers, the Energy Industries Council, the Scottish African Business Association, the UK Ghana Chamber of Commerce and the Global Underwater Hub, Wider Africa Energy Summit is poised to offer global players in the industry an entry point into Africa’s energy business.

By delving into strategic oil and gas opportunities across Africa, the summit is structured to connect continents, and offer a mutually beneficial launchpad for the European supply chain to grow their investments in the continent’s evolving energy markets.

Leading operators at the 2025 Wider Africa Energy Summit

Over the years, Wider Africa Energy Summit has emerged as a strategic platform for operators to gain strategic insights into upcoming investment opportunities across Africa’s oil and gas value chain.

Already, a number of exploration and oil production companies have affirmed their participation at forum, underscoring its position as a premier meeting place for the industry. For instance, Shell, an energy heavyweight that boasts a strong portfolio of exploration and production assets in Africa will be participating this year.

The Dutch-based energy conglomerate has been at the forefront of oil finds in Namibia especially with its deepwater Graff discovery in 2022 and is now looking at a new drilling campaign at PEL 39 in 2026.

In Africa’s most populous economy Nigeria, Shell has reached a final investment decision for the HI gas project, unlocking roughly 350 million cubic feet of gas per day in production. The company also returned to Angola this year following a deal signed for Block 33.

At the same time, London-headquartered bp has also continued to cement its presence in Africa on account of its oil and gas interests and projects spread in Mauritania, Senegal and Mozambique.

Recently, bp started production at the Greater Tortue Ahmeyim (GTA) LNG project in Mauritania/Senegal this year, with the project’s FLNG vessel reaching commercial operations in July 2025. What’s more, bp is now looking towards GTA phase two to bolster production. Meanwhile in Egypt, the company started production at the Reven Infills gas project this year.

Producing 450,000 barrels per day, Harbour Energy is one of the world’s biggest independent oil and gas producers. The UK-headquarted company has a strong gas portfolio in North Africa, including stakes in the Reggane Nord in Algeria, the Al Jurf contract areas in Libya and the West Nile Delta, Dissouq and East Damanhour projects in Egypt.

Additionally, international players to the likes of Canadian Natural Resources and Serica Energy are also participating in Wider Africa Energy Summit this year. While the companies have downsized their African portfolios in recent years, their participation at the forum showcases their pursuit of strategic opportunities.

Wider Africa Energy Summit: Connecting Service Providers to African Projects

Wider Africa Energy Summit is also structured to convene leading service providers and African stakeholders, offering a platform for collaboration, deals and strengthened dialogue. Across the African continent, various international service providers are supporting critical projects, and with the recent push towards monetizing underdeveloped resources, opportunities for these firms are only growing.

With a focus on digitalization and a dedication to balancing operational efficiency with sustainable development NOV has developed a strong presence in Africa. The company is active in various markets, including Ghana, Nigeria, Cameroon, Equatorial Guinea, the Republic of Congo, Angola, South Africa, Uganda, Kenya and more, offering cutting-edge technologies and services that support clients enhance their operations.

Oceaneering is also strengthening its presence across the continent. The company is active in Angola and recently announced that it has renewed a contract for its inspection services across West Africa. Meanwhile, Expro continues to advance key projects in sub-Saharan Africa, offering a range of services from well construction and production optimization to well decommissioning and environment solutions.

Providing competitive floating solutions for the offshore oil and gas industry, Modec is also participating at Wider Africa Energy Summit. The company has an extensive footprint in West Africa, with contracts in Senegal, Ivory Coast, Ghana, Nigeria, Cameroon and more. These companies will be joined by a suite of UK supply chain firms, underscoring WAES’ position as a platform to connect.

Read also: Africa Energy Bank secures key backing from Nigeria, Angola and Ghana