Angola: ExxonMobil Announces New Offshore Oil Discovery in Block 15

The Angolan National Agency for Petroleum, Gas and Biofuels (ANPG), ExxonMobil Angola, and their partners announced on Wednesday, 9 September 2026, a new oil discovery at the Vicango Este-01 exploratory well, located in the offshore block 15, approximately 370 kilometers northwest of Luanda.

The well encountered about 25 meters of high-quality sandstone containing hydrocarbons, with a reported porosity of 22%. The drilling was conducted in water depths of around 940 meters by the Valaris DS-9 drilling vessel.

Vicango Este-01 marks the 20th discovery recorded in block 15 over the past thirty years, according to the partners. More than 2.7 billion barrels of oil have already been produced in this deepwater area, one of the most significant in Angola’s oil industry.

For Brian Unietis, CEO of ExxonMobil Angola, this discovery confirms the remaining potential in the block after more than twenty-three years of production. The group believes that further exploratory successes can extend the value of existing infrastructure and support future production opportunities.

Paulino Jerónimo, Chairman of the ANPG Board, linked this new discovery to adjustments made to Angola’s legal and fiscal framework. He specifically cited the extension of the license for block 15 until 2032, as well as measures allowing exploration in and around areas already under development.

A Historic Block of Angolan Offshore Oil

Block 15 is operated by Esso Exploration Angola, a subsidiary of ExxonMobil, holding a 36% stake. Azule Angola Limited holds 24%, Azule Angola BV 18%, Equinor Angola Block 15 A.S. 12%, and Sonangol E&P 10%. ANPG acts as the national concessionaire.

The discovery fits into Angola’s oil strategy, which aims to extend the lifespan of its major offshore assets and attract new investments in exploration. In recent years, the government has implemented several reforms to slow the natural decline of mature fields and support national production.

The license for block 15 has been extended until 2032. This extension accompanies an exploration program designed to leverage existing infrastructure and support new production opportunities in this mature area.