In a strategic announcement marking the start of 2026, Chevron's Angolan subsidiary, Cabinda Gulf Oil Company Limited (CABGOC), formalised the successful production of first oil from its South Ndola offshore project. Located in the prolific Block 0, off the coast of Cabinda province, this field represents a key step in Angola's strategy to stabilise and increase its national production after several years of natural decline in its mature fields.
A model of operational efficiency and capital discipline
The South Ndola project stands out for its optimised technical approach. By using a tie-back system to the existing infrastructure at the Mafumeira complex, Chevron has significantly reduced development costs and time to production. This "short-cycle production" strategy allows crude oil and gas to be processed without the need to build new heavy processing facilities on site.
The field is expected to produce approximately 25,000 barrels of oil per day at peak, as well as 50 million cubic feet of natural gas.
A pillar of the national gas strategy
Beyond supplying liquid hydrocarbons, South Ndola is fully in line with Angola's Gas Master Plan. The associated gas extracted from the field will not be flared, but will be transported to the Angola LNG liquefaction plant in Soyo. This integration not only reduces the carbon footprint of operations, but also monetises a strategic resource for electricity generation and local industry.
Local content and socio-economic impact
In keeping with its commitment to national development, the project was designed under the banner of "Made in Angola". The wellhead platform was manufactured locally in the provinces of Cuanza Sul and Cabinda, employing more than 800 Angolan workers during the construction phase.
"The South Ndola project illustrates our heritage of more than 70 years in Angola: a project made by Angolans, for Angola," said Frank Cassulo, Managing Director of CABGOC. For the Angolan government, this commissioning sends a strong signal to international investors, proving that mature blocks such as Block 0 (which provides around 12% of the country's daily energy) still have significant growth potential thanks to targeted investments.