Libya’s Ministry of Oil and Gas has initiated high-level talks with global energy major Shell to explore strategic collaboration opportunities in the country’s oil and gas sector, according to an official statement.
The meeting brought together Libya’s Minister of Oil and Gas, Khalifa Rajab Abdulsadek, and a senior Shell delegation to identify areas of partnership—particularly in oil exploration, production, and technology transfer.
The discussions signal Libya’s strong commitment to revitalizing its energy sector by attracting foreign direct investment and tapping into global expertise to modernize operations.
Minister Abdulsadek stressed the urgency of developing Libya’s hydrocarbon fields, highlighting the need to boost production and deploy advanced technologies to ensure long-term economic stability and efficient resource utilization.
This development comes amid a growing wave of foreign interest in Libya’s underexplored oil and gas reserves.
The country recently launched two key initiatives to attract global oil and gas companies: the fifth generation of its Exploration and Production Sharing Agreement (EPSA V), and the 2025 licensing round.
More than forty international energy companies have reportedly expressed interest in the oil bid that featured 22 onshore and offshore blocks.
This marks a significant milestone for a nation that holds Africa’s largest proven oil reserves—estimated at 48 billion barrels, or nearly 40% of the continent’s total.
The results of the 2025 licensing round, Libya’s first in nearly a decade, are expected later this year.
Shell’s renewed interest follows a trend of re-engagement by major energy players.
For instance, TotalEnergies is advancing operations in Libya’s Sirte and Murzuq basins, including the Waha and Sharara fields.
Italian giant Eni is also preparing to explore three key plays across Libya’s shallow, deepwater, and ultra-deep offshore basins.
The increasing investor confidence marks a shift in Libya’s gradual re-entry into the global energy market after years of political instability that divides the country between Tripoli and Benghazi.
