Libya launches its first oil exploration tender for 17 years

After 17 years of waiting, Libya is turning a new page in its energy history with the official launch of its 2025 call for tenders for oil and gas exploration. Announced by the government on Thursday, this call for tenders marks a decisive step in the revitalisation of a key sector that has remained largely unexploited for almost two decades due to political unrest. The initiative aims to attract foreign investors to explore the country's rich oil and gas basins, thereby strengthening Libya's position on the African and global energy scene.

This call for tenders comes at a time when Libya's energy sector is experiencing dynamic growth. Last month, Mellitah Oil and Gas Company restarted gas production from well CC18 in the Bahr Essalam field, increasing the country's capacity to meet local demand while consolidating its exports. In addition, offshore and onshore drilling campaigns testify to the renewed interest of the oil majors. Eni, which is active in the Sirte basin, plans to drill four exploration wells in 2025, a programme that is being closely scrutinised by the industry. In the Ghadames basin, BP is moving ahead with a multi-well campaign, exploiting existing seismic data and considering participating in the bidding cycle.

Infrastructure projects are also progressing. Eni's A&E Structures project, which links two gas fields to the Mellitah processing plant, is advancing its engineering and construction work, with offshore drilling scheduled to begin in the first half of 2025. The Sabratha compression project is also under way, with commissioning expected by the end of the year. Finally, the Bouri gas utilisation project, supported by ABL and Saipem for the installation of critical equipment, aims to optimise offshore production and make the most of Libya's vast gas reserves.

These advances position Libya alongside countries such as Nigeria, Angola and Namibia as a major oil and gas player in Africa for 2025. They will be at the heart of discussions at African Energy Week (AEW): Invest in African Energies 2025, the continent's leading platform for energy investment. This event will provide Libya with an ideal showcase for promoting its tender, forging international partnerships and securing the financing needed for sustainable growth.

"The 2025 tender is a turning point for Libya, a market ready for a major transformation," said NJ Ayuk, Executive Chairman of the African Energy Chamber. "It offers a unique opportunity for global investors to get involved in one of Africa's most promising energy sectors. With this commitment to growth, Libya is contributing to the continent's energy revolution, a key objective of AEW 2025."

The event will bring together Libyan officials, foreign investors and industry leaders to address issues of regulatory stability, infrastructure expansion and resource development. As production increases and the private sector becomes more involved, Libya is sending out a clear message: it is ready to become an energy powerhouse once again. In a rapidly changing African landscape, the country is asserting itself as a key pillar of the continent's energy future.