ARPEL Conference 2026 is shaping up as one of the most strategic gatherings for the energy future of the South Atlantic. From June 1 to 4, Buenos Aires will bring together leaders from the oil, gas, and energy sectors of Latin America, the Caribbean, and Africa, with the aim of strengthening new business alliances and accelerating transatlantic investment projects.
In addition to institutional exchange, the event will serve as a platform to connect South American companies with some of Africa’s fastest-growing energy regions. The African Energy Chamber (AEC) will lead a delegation that will promote upstream opportunities, natural gas projects, and LNG developments in various African markets.
Africa seeks to accelerate oil and gas investments
Currently, Africa is experiencing one of the most active energy expansion cycles of the past decade. Forecasts indicate that the continent will reach upstream investments of nearly $41 billion in 2026, driven by an increase in licensing and new exploration opportunities.
Countries such as Angola, Nigeria, Tanzania, Algeria, Sierra Leone, and Equatorial Guinea are expanding their oil activity, while emerging markets such as Namibia continue to attract international attention after recording significant offshore discoveries in recent years.
Likewise, Côte d’Ivoire and Mozambique are advancing projects linked to natural gas and the development of export infrastructure. This scenario creates space for South American operators with experience in complex environments and unconventional basins.
Argentina and Brazil gain technological prominence
Within the new energy landscape, South America emerges as a strategic partner for Africa due to its technical expertise in gas production and unconventional development.
Argentina plays a central role thanks to the development of Vaca Muerta, one of the world’s leading shale formations. Currently, the field accounts for nearly 70% of Argentina’s gas production and has enabled the country to consolidate capabilities in horizontal drilling, hydraulic fracturing, and operational optimization.
Meanwhile, Brazil continues to strengthen its position as an offshore producer, with daily production close to 5.4 billion cubic feet of gas. Brazil’s experience in deepwater and oil-related projects is also attractive to expanding African markets.
Natural gas and LNG set the new strategic axis
The growth of liquefied natural gas has become one of the main drivers of cooperation between both regions. Africa already contributes about 8.5% of global LNG, and projections indicate that this share could multiply by 2050 due to growing global demand and geopolitical tensions over supply chains.
Regions such as Rovuma in Mozambique and the Niger Delta in Nigeria hold enormous gas resources that are still undeveloped. These two hubs alone contain more than 240 trillion cubic feet discovered, awaiting investment and infrastructure for commercialization.
In parallel, shale gas development is also gaining relevance. Algeria has more than 700 trillion cubic feet of technically recoverable resources, while South Africa and Tanzania are advancing evaluations of shale gas and tight gas.
Golar LNG exemplifies energy cooperation
International companies are already beginning to connect both markets through strategic projects. Golar LNG is involved in developments linked to Vaca Muerta and, at the same time, has driven FLNG solutions in Cameroon, in addition to supporting gas projects in Senegal and Mauritania.
This type of operation demonstrates how South American experience in floating infrastructure, offshore processing, and gas monetization can be transferred to the African continent.
According to NJ Ayuk, Executive Chairman of the African Energy Chamber, the South Atlantic must become an energy trade corridor and not a geographic barrier.
Strengthening the South Atlantic energy corridor
ARPEL Conference 2026 arrives at a key moment to redefine energy cooperation between South America and Africa. The meeting will make it possible to analyze investment projects, technology transfer, shared value chains, and business opportunities related to oil, gas, and emerging energies.
Likewise, the event will offer Latin American companies the opportunity to position themselves early in some of the frontier markets with the greatest energy potential in the world.
The growing integration between both regions reflects a shared interest in transforming natural resources into sustainable economic growth through long-term strategic alliances.
Source and photo: African Energy Chamber