IN a landmark move to bolster Equatorial Guinea’s oil and gas industry, the African Energy Chamber (AEC) has joined forces with the country’s National Council for Economic and Social Development (CNDES).
The partnership announced on Saturday seeks to harness the nation’s vast energy resources to drive economic growth, create jobs, and position Equatorial Guinea as a global energy leader.
The collaboration focuses on four key areas: local content development, energy financing, oil and gas production optimisation, and capacity building. As part of the agreement, the AEC will provide CNDES staff with cutting-edge training and expertise across the oil and gas value chain, ensuring Equatorial Guinea’s workforce is equipped to meet the demands of a rapidly evolving energy landscape.
This initiative aligns with the AEC’s broader mission to eradicate energy poverty across Africa. By attracting new international investments into Equatorial Guinea’s oil and gas sector, the partnership aims to expand electricity access, spur industrialisation, and create employment opportunities.
The AEC will actively promote the country’s energy potential at high-profile global events, including the Invest in African Energy Forum in Shanghai and the Invest in African Energy in Paris conference. Additionally, the African Energy Week (AEW): Invest in African Energy—the continent’s premier energy event—will take place from September 29 to October 3, 2025, under the theme Positioning Africa as the Global Energy Champion.
These events come at a pivotal time for Equatorial Guinea, which is preparing to launch a new licensing round in 2025 to revitalise its upstream sector. The AEC’s global outreach efforts will connect international investors with lucrative opportunities in the country, further solidifying its position as a key player in Africa’s energy market.
During the meeting, the AEC and CNDES agreed to collaborate on policy reforms and financial strategies designed to attract fresh capital into Equatorial Guinea’s oil and gas industry. With CNDES serving as the government’s official advisor on socioeconomic principles and the AEC as the leading voice of Africa’s energy sector, the partnership is poised to create a favourable investment climate, increase private sector participation, and boost production.
The collaboration will also extend beyond hydrocarbons, with both organisations working to promote Equatorial Guinea’s mineral potential. This aligns with the AEC’s plans to co-host the inaugural African Mining Week alongside AEW 2025, highlighting the country’s diverse resource base.
The AEC praised Equatorial Guinea’s efforts to strengthen its position in both African and global energy markets. As a member of OPEC, the oil producers’ cartel, the country plays a critical role in ensuring regional and global oil market stability. Major international energy companies, including Chevron, Marathon Oil, Trident Energy, and VAALCO Energy, have already launched new projects in Equatorial Guinea.
Ongoing initiatives such as the Gas Mega Hub and the Zafiro Field Expansion are set to drive significant growth in the country’s oil and gas sector. These projects underscore Equatorial Guinea’s commitment to leveraging its energy resources for sustainable development.
“Equatorial Guinea represents one of Africa’s most well-established and rapidly growing oil and gas markets,” said NJ Ayuk, executive chairman of the AEC. “Through our collaboration with CNDES, the AEC remains committed to supporting the country’s ambitious agenda to maximize the growth of its hydrocarbons sector.”
This partnership marks a new chapter in Equatorial Guinea’s energy journey, one that promises to unlock untapped potential, attract global investment, and pave the way for a brighter, more prosperous future.