Since entering the Blocks, Afentra has supported the operator in increasing production by 30% to an average of over 21,000 barrels per day (bpd) through 2024 in Angolan Blocks 3/05 and 3/05A. This achievement aligns with the company’s strategy to revitalize mature oil fields and boost in target markets that provide the right dynamics. Energy Capital & Power (ECP) interviewed Paul McDade, CEO of Afentra to discuss their Angolan operations and potential applications in the Congolese market.

Afentra has achieved notable success in Angola with Blocks 3/05 and 3/05A. What strategies and technologies have you used to enhance production, and how can this approach be adapted to Congo’s mature assets?

We work closely with Sonangol, Angola’s national oil company, on a clear phased plan to future-proof infrastructure, increase production and reduce emissions. These platforms have been operational for some time, so we encourage investments to ensure their efficiency until 2040 and beyond. Production has already increased by 30% to over 21,000 bpd, with a target of 40,000 bpd through water injection optimization, reactivating wells and infill drilling. By 2026, we plan to introduce a workover and drill rig for infill drilling. The region also has material discoveries yet to be developed, which we aim to bring online.

What attracted Afentra to the Angolan market?

Angola has vast discovered resources, with around 15 billion barrels of untapped oil. Our focus is on production and development rather than exploration. The ANPG [National Agency for Petroleum, Gas and Biofuels] has worked hard to create an attractive fiscal and investment environment through dialogue with industry players. Historically, Angola was dominated by international oil companies (IOCs), but the ANPG recognizes the need for a mix of IOCs and smaller independent companies like Afentra and is creating a climate that industry encourages investment.

How has your collaboration with Sonangol contributed to your success?

Sonangol, as the operator, has been highly collaborative, recognizing the complementary skills we bring. While they have deep knowledge of the assets, we contribute international experience and technical expertise. This synergy benefits the asset, boosting production, revenues and tax contributions. Beyond offshore blocks, we are also working with Sonangol on onshore licenses and collaborating with smaller local independents.

What lessons from Angola can be applied to Congo?

In maturing basins, local companies should play a more prominent role. In Angola, we’ve engaged with emerging local firms whose teams possess significant industry experience. Our role is to complement their expertise with our operational knowledge and international capital market access. The future should see local firms leading, with international players supporting through financial expertise and technical knowledge. In Congo, similar opportunities exist to apply our phase development model used in Blocks 3/05 and 3/05A.

How does Afentra integrate technology into its operations?

We leverage our team’s expertise and utilize strong contractors who provide advanced technologies, tools and materials. In the UK’s North Sea, smaller independent firms gradually replaced IOCs, driving revenue growth, investment and employment. Angola is undergoing a similar transformation, with independent companies spearheading the next development phase. The Republic of Congo could follow a similar trajectory by integrating experienced operators with emerging local firms to manage its mature assets effectively.

How do West Africa and the North Sea compare in terms of industry maturation?

Mature assets require specialized techniques, new investment strategies and emission-reduction initiatives. Our team, with decades of experience in both Africa and the North Sea, is well-positioned to bridge these approaches. Afentra, which stands for African Energy Transition, aligns with Africa’s energy transition by focusing on responsible hydrocarbon production. By investing in emissions control and enhanced recovery techniques, these assets can remain productive and economically viable for much longer.