Angola has taken a significant leap in its energy journey with the confirmation of a major offshore gas discovery at the Gajajeira-01 well in Block 1/14. Spearheaded by Azule Energy—a 50/50 joint venture between bp and Eni—the find is being hailed as Angola’s first-ever exploration well dedicated solely to natural gas, marking a historic milestone in the country’s energy strategy.
Unveiled in mid-July, the discovery signals Angola’s strengthening role in sub-Saharan Africa’s energy transformation, aligning with its Gas Master Plan and long-term objectives for energy security, export diversification, and sustainable industrialization.
The Gajajeira-01 well was drilled in April 2025, approximately 60 kilometers off the coast of Angola, in the Lower Congo Basin, a historically underexplored area now gaining global attention. Operating at a water depth of 95 meters, the well reached the LO100 geological interval, where it encountered gas- and condensate-bearing sandstones.
According to preliminary data, the reservoir holds:
Fluid samples indicate multiple high-mobility reservoirs, and the drilling was conducted using advanced formation evaluation tools to ensure optimal safety and precision. With this confirmation, drilling operations will now continue toward a second Lower Oligocene target: LO300.
Block 1/14 is being developed by a multinational consortium of highly experienced energy operators:
The project is being closely coordinated with Angola’s National Oil, Gas and Biofuels Agency (ANPG), which has praised the discovery as a key driver of new private investment in Angola’s gas sector.
“These discoveries are crucial for unlocking new investment and developing Angola’s gas industry—not only for domestic consumption, but also for supporting vital sectors like petrochemicals and fertilizers.” – Paulino Jerónimo, Chairman of the Board, ANPG
This discovery is more than just a new well—it’s part of a broader national vision. Angola’s Gas Master Plan, launched in the wake of the Angola LNG project in Soyo (2013), aims to:
Other notable projects already underway include:
With the Gajajeira-01 well now delivering promising results, Angola moves a step closer to achieving these national targets.
“This is a landmark moment for gas exploration in Angola. Gajajeira-01 is the country’s first dedicated gas exploration well, and its success reinforces our confidence in the potential of the Lower Congo Basin. We are proud to contribute to Angola’s long-term energy development with a focus on sustainability and energy security.” – Adriano Mongini, CEO of Azule Energy
Azule Energy also reaffirmed its commitment to developing Block 1/14 with a long-term perspective. In parallel to exploration activities, the company is advancing its infrastructure strategy. In 2024, Aker Solutions was awarded an EPC (engineering, procurement, and construction) contract to support two FPSO units in Angola, showing the operational maturity already backing the new discovery.
The discovery at Gajajeira-01 cements Angola’s position as one of Africa’s emerging gas powerhouses. As international markets seek reliable and diversified gas suppliers, this find offers Angola the potential to:
Moreover, the successful drilling in a previously untapped formation confirms the broader potential of the Lower Congo Basin—opening a new frontier for hydrocarbon exploration in Angola.
For the region and global energy transition, this moment signals an opportunity to move closer to secure, lower-carbon, and diversified energy systems—powered by natural gas as a transitional fuel.
