Angola’s LNG exports: key facts you should know

1. Shift in export destinations

• In 2022 and 2023, Angola exported more LNG to Europe and less to Asia.

• This shift was driven by Europe’s need to replace pipeline gas from Russia due to the war in Ukraine.

2. Who bought Angolan LNG?

• In 2023, Angola exported 175 billion cubic feet (Bcf) of LNG, according to the EIA.

• 75% went to Europe:

  • France received approx. 32 Bcf

  • United Kingdom received approx. 28 Bcf

• 25% went to the Asia-Pacific region:

  • India was the top buyer in Asia, with 35 Bcf

3. Where does Angola get its gas?

• Most of Angola’s natural gas comes from offshore oil fields as associated gas (a byproduct of oil extraction).

• Some gas is still flared or reinjected into oil fields to boost oil recovery.

4. Angola’s LNG infrastructure

• Angola LNG Limited (ALNG) operates the only LNG export terminal in Soyo.

• The plant can liquefy up to 250 Bcf of gas per year.

• It started exporting in 2013, paused due to technical issues, and resumed in 2016.

5. Domestic use vs. Exports

• Angola does not import natural gas.

• It produces enough for domestic use and exports the surplus as LNG.

6. Future growth: Northern gas complex

• The Northern Gas Complex is Angola’s first non-associated gas project.

• Operated by Eni, it will include:

  • 2 offshore platforms

  • An onshore gas processing plant

  • Pipelines connecting to the Soyo LNG terminal

• Expected to start operations in 2026.

• Will add approx. 141 Bcf/year of production.

Angola is becoming a key player in LNG supply to Europe, thanks to its strategic infrastructure and new gas developments. As energy dynamics shift globally, Angola’s position in the natural gas market is strengthening—especially with the upcoming Northern Gas Complex project.

Angola’s LNG exports: key facts you should know

Angola’s Oil Sector: A Strategic Shift Amid Decline

Angola: A Major Oil Producer in Africa

In 2024, Angola was the second-largest producer of liquid fuels in sub-Saharan Africa, after Nigeria.The country’s economy relies heavily on hydrocarbons, making it highly sensitive to oil price fluctuations.

Exit from OPEC in 2024

Angola withdrew from OPEC effective January 1, 2024, after the organization cut its production quota.This move gives Angola more freedom to attract investment and increase its crude oil output amid declining production.

Proven oil reserves and crude quality

Angola holds around 2.6 billion barrels of proven crude oil reserves.Its oil is mostly light, low-sulfur crude, highly desirable for Asia-Pacific refiners.

Declining Production Trend

Angola’s liquid fuels production fell from 1.8 million barrels/day in 2014 to 1.2 million in 2023.Causes: maturing oil fields, low investment, and delays in new field development.

Limited recent additions, but bigger projects ahead

A few new fields (Cuica, Zinia Fase 2, Cabaca Norte) began producing, but haven’t offset declines.Larger projects like Agogo, Begonia, and Kaminho are expected later this decade.Operators include TotalEnergies and Azule Energy (BP & Eni JV).

Push for international investment

Angola is actively launching bidding rounds to attract foreign companies.The ANPG (oil and gas regulator) will hold its final bidding round in early 2025, offering 10 offshore blocks in the Kwanza and Benguela basins.Additional onshore and marginal fields are also available to encourage smaller investor participation.