Afentra COO Ian Cloke to Speak at African Energy Week
Cloke to Spotlight Independent Operators’ Role in Africa’s Energy Future
Ian Cloke, Chief Operating Officer of Afentra, an independent upstream oil and gas company focused on Africa, will speak at the African Energy Week (AEW): Invest in African Energies conference in Cape Town from September 29 to October 3, 2025. Cloke is expected to provide valuable insight into how junior and independent operators like Afentra are revitalizing Africa’s maturing oil and gas assets.
Strategic Focus on Angola and Regional Expansion
Afentra’s core operations lie in Angola, where the company continues to expand both onshore and offshore. In April 2025, Afentra acquired a 45% non-operated interest in Block KON 15, and in July 2024, it signed a deal for a similar interest in Block KON 19—both located in the Kwanza Basin near the legacy Tobias and Galinda oilfields. These areas offer promising exploration and appraisal potential.
Cloke to Share Investment Strategy in Onshore Angola
At AEW 2025, Cloke will delve into Afentra’s Angola strategy, highlighting its entry into the onshore space. The company’s presence in Blocks KON 15 and KON 19 reflects a broader commitment to leveraging underexplored yet proven basins to boost output and attract further investment.
Offshore Success and Production Growth
Afentra is also a key player in Angola’s offshore sector. In May 2024, it increased its stake in Blocks 3/05 and 3/05A through a deal with Azule Energy, acquiring 30% and 21.33% interests, respectively. Working closely with operator Sonangol, Afentra helped raise Block 3/05 production from 17,000 to 22,000 barrels per day, with further gains planned.
Infrastructure Upgrades and Enhanced Recovery Plans
To sustain this growth, Afentra is investing in infrastructure upgrades and evaluating water injection systems to improve recovery. Several light well injections have already been completed as part of this strategy.
Block 3/05A and 23 Poised for Development
Afentra and its partners are also assessing future production strategies at Block 3/05A. Subsurface mapping and data ranking are underway to guide a potential 2026/2027 drilling campaign. Block 23, jointly operated by NAMCOR, Afentra, and Sonangol, spans 5,000 km² and is positioned in Angola’s offshore Kwanza Basin. It holds significant untapped potential, underpinned by a confirmed working petroleum system.
Driving Africa’s Independent Energy Future
“Africa’s maturing assets still hold significant upside potential, with new technologies and the expertise of junior and independent players set to revitalize production across these blocks,”
said Tomás Gerbasio, Vice President: Commercial and Strategic Engagement at the African Energy Chamber.
“Afentra is spearheading efforts in this regard, unlocking greater value from the continent’s producing fields.”
AEW 2025: The Deal-Making Hub for African Energy
African Energy Week continues to serve as the premier platform for operators, financiers, policymakers, and technology providers. It has become the go-to event for deal-making and forging strategic partnerships across Africa’s energy value chain.
Visit www.AECWeek.com for more information.