ExxonMobil advances African energy growth

ExxonMobil, a leading multinational in the oil and gas sector, continues to advance several key energy projects across Africa, reinforcing its position as a major player in the industry

The company’s recent activities underscore its commitment to enhancing energy security by providing reliable and affordable energy, while maintaining industry-leading emissions standards.

A significant milestone occurred last month when Liam Mallon, ExxonMobil’s upstream president, met with Mozambican President Nyusi to reaffirm the company’s dedication to the US$24bn Rovuma LNG project. During the meeting, Mallon confirmed that front-end engineering design (FEED) for the project is progressing, with a clear timeline aiming for a final investment decision by 2026.

In Southern Africa, ExxonMobil has also cemented its leadership in exploration in Angola’s offshore Namibe Basin, where a wildcat well has been drilled. The industry is eagerly awaiting results, as positive findings could have far-reaching implications for the region’s energy landscape. The Namibe Basin stretches from Angolan waters into northern Namibia, and commercially viable outcomes could influence the area’s energy development for decades.

In Nigeria, ExxonMobil is shifting its focus toward deepwater investments, as it concludes the sale of its shallow-water joint venture assets. Nigeria's offshore oil reserves, currently accounting for 32% of its production, are an area where ExxonMobil’s deepwater engineering expertise will be pivotal in driving the next phase of development. According to the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC), the nation’s reserves were recently estimated at 37.5 billion barrels, positioning ExxonMobil to play a leading role in Africa’s largest oil reserve base.

Looking ahead, ExxonMobil plans to further its involvement in Africa’s upstream energy sector at the upcoming Africa Oil Week (AOW): Investing in African Energy event, where the company will serve as a platinum sponsor. “ExxonMobil is pleased to be a platinum sponsor for AOW as they commemorate 30 years of convening the energy industry for fruitful engagements and sharing of best practices,” said Richard Barke, ExxonMobil vice-president of South Atlantic Exploration.

The AOW partnership underscores ExxonMobil’s significant role in Africa’s energy landscape. By gathering key stakeholders—governments, regulators, operators, power producers, investors, and service providers—the event fosters dialogue around policy development, investment opportunities, and shaping the continent’s energy future.

Through such strategic partnerships, alongside its deepwater expertise and frontier region exploration, ExxonMobil continues to assert itself as a leading force in the global energy sector.