By: Energy capital & power

Strategically located at the intersection of southern and central Africa and representing one of the continent’s biggest oil producers, Angola is well-positioned to become a regional petroleum hub. The country has been expanding its refining and distribution capacity in recent years, seeking to reduce petroleum imports and bolster regional fuel security. Amid this growth, the Angola Oil & Gas (AOG) conference – taking place September 3-4 in Luanda – will address the challenges and opportunities associated with Angola’s downstream expansion.

A cornerstone of Angola’s downstream strategy is expanded refining capacity. The country has set a goal to increase refining capacity to 445,000 barrels per day (bpd), with three new facilities planned. These include the first phase of the Cabinda refinery (30,000 bpd) – which is expected to start operations in 2025 –; the 200,000 bpd Lobito Refinery and the 100,000 bpd Soyo facility. The government is currently seeking partners to address the $4.8 billion funding gap for the Lobito facility.

Beyond refining, Angola is seeking investments in LPG and petrochemicals. By 2027, the country expects a 27% increase in LPG demand, while the demand for fertilizers is also set to grow due to enhanced agriculture operations. A panel discussion titled Towards an Energy-Secure Future: Accelerating Downstream Development to Meet Market Demands at AOG 2025 will examine Angola’s downstream expansion agenda. Speakers will explore how the downstream sector can capitalize on planned investments in Angola’s upstream sector – estimated at $60 billion over five years.

Meanwhile, as a series of large-scale upstream projects come online in the coming years, Angola is strengthening its logistics industry to better-support both on- and offshore operations. Through modernized logistics hubs and distribution networks, the country aims to enhance exports, improve storage capacity and accelerate regional distribution. In 2024 alone, the country generated over $34 billion from the export of 393.4 million barrels of oil and gas. Enhanced logistics will not only support future exports but consolidate Angola’s position as a regional petroleum hub. Notable projects include the Barra do Dande Ocean terminal – launched in 2025 -, an integrated terminal and logistics hub in Soyo – planned with a storage capacity of two million barrels -; and the Kwanza Terminal and Pipeline Routes project – planned with a storage capacity of one million barrels.

Additionally, the country launched a tender for a maritime passenger and cargo terminal in April 2025, with plans to award concession contracts for the management, operation and maintenance of terminals at the Cabinda and Soyo ports for 20 years. An AOG 2025 session on Strategic Investments in Angola’s Logistics and Energy Infrastructure: The Half-a-Billion-Dollar Plan, will examine the state of play of Angola’s logistics industry. Speakers will share insights into the impact future logistics facilities play, the role of Special Economic Zones and how technology is shaping the industry.