ANPG announces new discovery at Block 15/06, estimated to hold 500 million barrels.
The Algaita-01 well builds on 22 discoveries made at the block.
The discovery is a direct result of Angola’s Incremental Production Decree.

Angola’s offshore momentum continues to build following a new discovery at the Algaita-01 exploration well in Block 15/06. Announced by Angola’s upstream regulator, the National Agency of Petroleum, Gas and Biofuels (ANPG), together with Azule Energy (operator) and its partners SSI Fifteen Limited and Sonangol E&P, the well is estimated to hold approximately 500 million barrels of oil in place across multiple high-quality reservoir intervals. The discovery builds on a track record of 22 finds at the block – but what does it signal about the future trajectory of Block 15/06 and Angola’s broader offshore strategy?

The Impact of Infrastructure-Led Drilling

The Algaita-01 discovery underscores the potential for additional volumes at Block 15/06. As one of the country’s biggest producing assets – with output reaching 121,438 bpd and 192 million standard cubic feet per day in December 2025 – the block is home to two main hubs: the West Hub and East Hub. While the West Hub has gained prominence in recent months with the start of phase two in 2025, the latest Algaita-01 discovery showcases future development options at the East Hub. Notably, the discovery lies approximately 18 km from the Olombendo FPSO – which currently produces hydrocarbons from nine subsea wells on the eastern side of Block 15/06.

Beyond barrels, the discovery showcases the value of infrastructure-led exploration in Angola. Situated at the heart of the Lower Congo Basin and within tie-back distance of existing FPSO facilities, the Algaita-01 well enhances development optionality by reducing infrastructure lead times and capital intensity. This further strengthens the case for investment at Block 15/06, while highlighting the potential for continued resource monetization.

The Broader Block 15/06 Approach

For operator Azule Energy, the discovery delivers on a broader production strategy targeting 250,000 bpd. Central to this is the development Block 15/06, and in particular, the Integrated West Hub Development (IWH). The IWH monetizes resources from the Agogo and Ndungu fields via the Agogo and Ngoma FPSOs – the former of which started operations in 2025. First cargo was shipped during a ceremony held at Angola Oil & Gas (AOG) 2025.

Adriano Mongini, former-CEO of Azule Energy, previously told Energy Capital & Power, the organizer of the event that “This integrated approach will achieve peak production of 175,000 bpd by fully exploiting existing western area infrastructure within Block 15/06, thereby optimizing project timelines and reducing associated costs.”

As the Agogo IWH enters into its next phase of development, Block 15/06 is transitioning into a fully integrated infrastructure hub. Algaita-01 now adds fresh exploration upside into that equation, reinforcing the block’s long-term production profile.

Angola’s Production Strategy Delivers Results

The Algaita-01 well is not an isolated success. The discovery aligns closely with Angola’s broader exploration strategy, centered around unlocking additional value from operational assets. Through the introduction of an Incremental Production Decree in 2024, the ANPG introduced specialized legal and fiscal terms for mature blocks, offering reduced petroleum production and income taxes under efforts to incentivize spending. Azule Energy’s Block 15/06 discovery is a culmination of these efforts.  

According to Paulino Jerónimo, Chairman and CEO, ANPG, the discovery “reaffirms the high potential of the Lower Congo Basin and the consistency of the ongoing exploration strategy. The ANPG encourages the continued identification of new opportunities under the existing incentive mechanisms, particularly Decree 8/24 on Incremental Production…”

As Angola looks to sustain production above one million bpd, Algaita-01 strengthens confidence in the country’s integrated development model – where exploration, infrastructure and regulatory alignment converge to unlock production growth.