Gabonese Minister of Oil and Gas Sostene Nguema Nguema has been confirmed as a speaker at the upcoming Libya Energy and Economy Summit 2026, to be held in Tripoli from January 24 to 26. This announcement highlights Gabon’s continued efforts to attract international investment and advance strategic reform of the oil and gas sector.
Minister Nguema took office in May 2025 and has since led a comprehensive modernization of Gabon’s hydrocarbon framework. Under his leadership, the government is replacing the 2019 Hydrocarbons Act with a separate law for oil and gas, with the aim of increasing transparency, improving fiscal conditions and providing legal clarity for investors. These reforms are aimed at unlocking Gabon’s deep and ultra-deep sea reserves, an untapped part of Gabon’s energy portfolio.
Gabon currently produces approximately 200,000 to 228,000 barrels per day (bpd) of crude oil, with proven oil reserves of 2 billion barrels and natural gas reserves estimated at 26 billion cubic meters. In 2025, the country is experiencing a major international re-entry, with BP and ExxonMobil signing a memorandum of understanding to explore offshore oil and gas fields. The state-owned Gabon Oil Company (GOC) has also expanded rapidly through strategic acquisitions such as Tullow Oil’s Gabonese assets and Asara Energy, raising domestic production within its portfolio to nearly 50,000 barrels per day.
Major gas projects under development in the country include Perenco’s $2 billion Cap Lopez LNG terminal with a floating LNG unit scheduled to begin production in 2026, and the Port-Gentil LNG facility, a $983 million joint venture with GOC. Gabon’s broader energy strategy also includes renewable energy integration and power expansion, with a goal of electrifying 85% of rural areas by the end of 2025.
Gabon and Libya share a history of multilateral cooperation through OPEC and the Continental Energy Forum, and Minister Nguema’s participation in LEES 2026 strengthens growing cooperation across Africa’s oil and gas sector. Minister Nguema, who will be joining the High-Level Ministerial Committee during this year’s event, will provide attendees with first-hand insight into Gabon’s production optimization strategies, regulatory reforms and investment opportunities, as well as participate in discussions on regional gas infrastructure and hybrid energy integration.
James Chester, CEO of Energy Capital & Power, said: “His participation highlights Gabon’s strategic role in Africa’s evolving energy landscape and provides the delegation with a unique opportunity to engage directly with leadership that is driving regulatory reform, deep sea exploration, and gas monetization initiatives. Minister Nguema’s insights will be invaluable to investors and stakeholders looking to partner in Gabon’s growing hydrocarbon and energy sectors.”
Join industry leaders at the Libya Energy & Economy Summit 2026 in Tripoli and explore investment opportunities in one of North Africa’s most dynamic energy markets. LEES 2026 provides the best platform for partnerships, innovation and sector growth. To ensure your participation, please visit www.libyasummit.com. To become a sponsor or participate as a representative, please contact sales@energycapitalpower.com.
