José Barroso, Secretary of State for Oil and Gas in Angola, has been confirmed to speak at the inaugural Congo Energy & Investment Forum (CEIF) in Brazzaville. An oil and gas veteran with over three decades of experience, Barroso is set to provide strategic insights into the industry’s future at the Republic of Congo’s premier energy event.
Held under the theme, “Securing Growth and Investment in a New Era,” CEIF 2025 will benefit from Barroso’s expertise in fostering private sector partnerships. As the industry navigates evolving market dynamics, investment trends and energy transition goals, his perspective will help shape discussions on sustainable growth, regulatory frameworks and cross-border collaboration. With both established and emerging players seeking to optimize resources and attract capital, Barroso’s participation will add valuable depth to the forum’s agenda.
The inaugural Congo Energy & Investment Forum, set for March 24-26, 2025, in Brazzaville, under the patronage of President Denis Sassou Nguesso and supported by the Ministry of Hydrocarbons and Société Nationale des Pétroles du Congo, will bring together international investors and local stakeholders to explore national and regional energy and infrastructure opportunities. The event will explore the latest gas-to-power projects and provide updates on ongoing expansions across the country.
With both Congo and Angola launching oil and gas licensing rounds in 2025, the two nations have an opportunity to deepen cooperation and introduce more competitive fiscal policies to maximize production from new and existing assets. Congo’s licensing round – set to be launched at CEIF 2025 – will highlight investment prospects in both marginal and deepwater blocks. Meanwhile, Angola is set to launch a limited public tender this year, offering up to 10 offshore blocks in the Kwanza and Benguela basins, along with additional available acreage.
Angola is also advancing its energy transition with a target to increase gas in the energy mix to 25% by 2025. The country recently introduced its draft National Gas Master Plan, positioning natural gas as a key driver of economic growth and investment. As both countries prioritize gas development, Angola’s experience in leveraging natural gas for industrialization and energy security could offer valuable insights for Congo as it prepares to launch its own Gas Master Plan at CEIF 2025, outlining a strategy for industrial expansion and broader socioeconomic benefits.
Against this backdrop, Barroso’s participation will provide critical insights into government policy, private sector collaboration and investment strategies. His involvement aligns with Congo’s goal of doubling its oil production by 2027 while fostering cross-border partnerships to drive regional energy growth. With Angola and Congo expanding their cooperation in both oil and gas, Barroso’s expertise will be instrumental in shaping discussions on joint infrastructure projects, cross-border gas trade and strategies to enhance energy security across the region.
“Barroso’s expertise in building investor-friendly frameworks and fostering industry partnerships will be instrumental in shaping discussions at CEIF 2025. His leadership will strengthen Angola-Congo cooperation and help drive the future of energy in the region,” states Sandra Jeque, Events and Project Director at Energy Capital & Power.
