In a remarkable series of developments over July and August 2025, the Libyan oil and gas sector has witnessed renewed engagement with major American players, signaling a strategic turning point in Libya–United States energy relations. These developments come as Libya continues to pursue its ambitious target of reaching 2 million barrels of oil per day by 2030, strengthen its local content initiatives, and attract international investment to support its national growth.
On July 23rd, 2025, the Chairman of Libya’s National Oil Corporation (NOC), Engineer Masoud Suleman, welcomed Mr. Massad Boulos, Senior Advisor for Africa to US President Donald Trump, in his first official visit to Libya. The visit underscored the growing political and economic alignment between Libya and the United States.
The two sides discussed NOC’s production strategy and the important role of the oil and gas sector in stabilizing Libya’s economy. They also explored the potential of existing petrochemical industries and emphasized Libya’s readiness to deepen cooperation with U.S. institutions and private sector players.
The visit culminated in a cooperation agreement between Mellitah Oil and Gas Company and US-based Hill International, which will manage Libya’s offshore A and E installations—a landmark agreement marking deeper U.S. involvement in the country’s upstream development.
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In a highly anticipated move, ExxonMobil signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the NOC on August 4th, 2025, marking the company’s return to Libya after more than ten years of halted operations. The agreement, signed in London, paves the way for detailed geological and geophysical studies across four offshore blocks near the northwest coast and the Sirte Basin.
NOC Chairman Suleman emphasized the improved contract terms and the favorable international conditions that now support renewed cooperation. He praised ExxonMobil’s strategic interest in Libya’s latest exploration bid round, which features 22 offshore and onshore blocks and is scheduled to conclude by the end of 2025.
Observers have described ExxonMobil’s return as a vote of confidence in Libya’s energy sector, particularly at a time when international companies are reevaluating supply diversification and long-term gas strategy.
Further strengthening US–Libya energy ties, Schlumberger (SLB) executives met with the NOC Chairman in London on August 5th, 2025, to discuss expanding SLB’s services and operational footprint in Libya. The meeting included Jose Lamas, SLB Middle East CEO, and Gokhan Yaram, President of SLB Integrated Services, alongside officials from the Arabian Gulf Oil Company.
The discussions focused on several long-term objectives, including:
The NOC leadership encouraged SLB to contribute more significantly to community development and private sector stimulation, signaling a broader strategy that integrates industrial growth, environmental sustainability, and national capacity building.
The July–August engagements between the NOC and top-tier US entities such as ExxonMobil, Hill International, and SLB represent more than just business deals—they mark a reinvigoration of Libya–US strategic cooperation in the energy domain.
As Libya prepares to launch its next exploration licensing round and push toward a more diversified, sustainable energy future, the return of US companies and high-level diplomatic engagement demonstrate a mutual recognition of Libya’s vast potential and strategic importance.
With sustained political will, transparent frameworks, and strong technical partnerships, Libya is positioning itself not only as a major North African oil and gas producer but also as a key player in ensuring energy security and sustainable development for the broader region.
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