A MoU was signed between the Ministry of Petroleum and Mineral Resources and UEG. (Image source: Ministry of Petroleum and Mineral Resources)

While paying an official visit to the United Arab Emirates, Karim Badawi, Minister of Petroleum and Mineral Resources, held a meeting with Song Yu, chairman and executive director, Kamel El-Sawi, the company's Regional President for Africa, and the accompanying delegation

UEG's investment expansion interests in Egypt and its strategic partnership with the Egyptian petroleum sector in Iraq were acknowledged during the meeting.

A memorandum of understanding (MoU) was signed between the Ministry of Petroleum and Mineral Resources and UEG to establish a strategic framework for cooperation in exploring investment opportunities in the oil and gas sectors inside and outside Egypt, while exploring the possibility of expanding renewable energy projects and energy trading activities.

Following the signing, Song Yu appreciated the fruitful cooperation with the Egypt's petroleum sector, highlighting that the successes achieved on the ground reinforce the company's desire to continue expanding the partnership, especially in light of the strategic pillars and efforts by the Ministry of Petroleum, under the leadership of the Minister of Petroleum, to attract investment and develop the sector.

Both partners have entered into detailed commercial discussions.

Europa Oil & Gas' associated company, Antler Global Limited, will be farming out an interest in the EG08 production sharing contract (PSC) offshore Equatorial Guinea by a non-binding Heads of Terms with a major energy company 

Both partners have entered into detailed commercial discussions to advance the farm out agreement, which will become official once approved by the Minister for Energy of Equatorial Guinea. 

Europa has a 42.9% equity interest in Antler which in turn holds an 80% working interest in the EG-08 PSC, with the remaining 20% held by GEPetrol (Guinea Equatorial de Petroleos), the national oil company of Equatorial Guinea, representing the State’s interest.

The EG-08 block contains 2.116 TCF (Pmean), with the primary prospect being Barracuda which is estimated to be 798 BCF (Pmean).

William Holland, chief executive officer of Europa, said, “The signing of these heads of terms is a very positive step forward and comes after an extensive period of negotiations with what we believe is an excellent partner. Although there are no guarantees, I am confident that we will progress to signing a farm out agreement in the coming months and will then move to drilling the Barracuda well as soon as possible thereafter. I look forward to updating the market of our progress in due course.”

Alvenco is led by Namibia’s former-Minister of Mines and Energy Tom Alweendo. (Image source: African Energy Chamber)

Namibia's exploration and production industry is drawing increased investments before it readies for production in 2029

It is emerging as the leading hydrocarbons producer from Africa as global oil giants and independents as well as local energy companies are investing in the country. These companies need expert advice to navigate Namibia's unique industry, and the newly launched Alvenco Advisory is addressing this need.

Led by Namibia’s former-Minister of Mines and Energy Tom Alweendo, the firm is a strategic advisory provider that generates investment pathways that will bring profit, inclusivity and sustainability. The firm's approach is collaborative as it works closely with the government stakeholders and private companies so that they step in sync with the country's energy goals through policy and regulatory support, strong alignment with national priorities, local stakeholder engagement and ESG focus as well as strategies for shared value and long-term returns. 

The advent of Alvenco Advisory couldn't have been more timely given the global rise of Orange Basin. Next year, TotalEnergies awaits reaching a final investment decision for its Venus discovery. Galp, on the other hand, has been reporting consistently good yields from the Mopane wells.

On the exploration front, Rhino Resources is making strides towards field development following a discovery at the Capricornus-1X well in April 2025 and the confirmation of a hydrocarbon reservoir at the Sagittarius-1X well in February 2025. Halliburton is set to drill two exploration wells at Block 2914 in PEL 85 while Stamper Oil & Gas Corp is also pursuing exploration projects in the Orange and Lüderitz Basins. Chevron is spearheading exploration in the Walvis Basin following its acquisition of an 80% stake in Blocks 2112B and 2212A. These investments seek to unlock a new hydrocarbon province in southern Africa.

“Namibia is on the cusp of extraordinary change. With major oil discoveries and bold steps into green hydrogen, we have a unique opportunity and responsibility to ensure that our natural resources uplift all Namibians. Alvenco Advisory will not only support global investors in Namibia, but ensure their investments unlock tangible opportunities for the people of Namibia. At Alvenco Advisory, we are committed to driving inclusive and sustainable projects. We are here to align the goals of governments and investing companies – if you’re investing in Namibia or thinking about it let’s talk," said Alweendo.

Capricorn forecasts the drilling of 10 development wells for H2 2025.

Capricorn has announced its half-year results

Randy Neely, chief executive, Capricorn PLC said, “Capricorn enters the second half of 2025 having made material progress in its strategic priorities, underpinned by financial discipline and driven by a focused team who have set out a clear path to creating shareholder value. EGPC board approval of the renewed concession terms marked a pivotal milestone in the evolution of our Egyptian business and, anticipating the conclusion of customary parliamentary ratification expected later this year, momentum has never been stronger to achieve increased reserves and value improvements to our Western Desert assets.

"With a payment plan agreed with the Egyptian General Petroleum Corporation (EGPC), we have continued to invest in the asset base, actively working with EGPC to ensure that the timely payment of receivables is able to support the increasing investment programme.

"Growing cash flow through diversification and expanding our operations remains a key strategic priority, and we continue to actively evaluate strategic investment and partnership opportunities in the region alongside accretive opportunities in the UK North Sea.”

WI production for H1 2025 in the Western Desert averaged approximately 20,000 boepd (43% liquids), tracking slightly above the mid-point of the full year guidance range for 2025 of 17,000 – 21,000 boepd. The recent receipt of a payment plan from EGPC, along with payments consistent with that plan, is expected to resolve recent issues that have been impacting timely provision of oil field supplies and services in support of production at the Operator, Bapetco. Capricorn continues to work with the Operator to prioritise opportunities to add production, from reinstating high-graded shut-in wells, to identifying additional perforation opportunities and optimising the development well sequence.

In the first half of 2025, development drilling activity was limited by the need to fulfil outstanding exploration commitments, postponed from 2024 and backed by a parent company guarantee. In April, a fourth rig was brought into the fleet to accelerate the completion of these exploration commitments, and from August the entire fleet is expected to be allocated to development activity. Three exploration wells have been drilled with one each on the North Um Baraka, West El Fayoum and South East Horus concessions. All three wells encountered hydrocarbons and are currently under analysis in anticipation of testing to evaluate commerciality.

In the second half of 2025, Capricorn forecasts the drilling of 10 development wells, all focused on the Badr El Din area, targeting liquids. This work programme is expected to be attributed against the commitments that the Company will be required to fulfil as part of the recently agreed integrated concession agreement.

Capricorn has engaged its reserves auditor, GLJ, to evaluate the expected reserves and resources increment associated with the consolidation of eight of the Company's existing Egyptian concession agreements into a new, single integrated concession agreement, which was recently approved by the EGPC Board. The preliminary work undertaken aligns with Capricorn’s expectation of an initial conversion of WI resources to 2P reserves of up to approximately 20 mmboe in the current year, and the Company continues to expect the customary Parliamentary ratification of the new agreement later in 2025. Capricorn anticipates investing in the concession area under the new terms prior to formal ratification.