MONROVIA – In efforts to attract investors into the oil and gas sector in Liberia, the National Oil Company of Liberia (NOCAL) has reaffirmed Liberia’s position as a rising energy frontier at the prestigious Africa Energies Summit being held in London, the UK, with President & CEO Fabian Michael Lai leading the charge in promoting the nation as a premier destination for oil and gas investments.
Addressing a distinguished audience of industry leaders, policymakers, and global investors, CEO Lai outlined Liberia’s strategic advantages, citing its untapped hydrocarbon potential, subsurface geology akin to Guyana and Suriname’s prolific oil basins, investor-friendly regulatory framework, and competitive fiscal terms. He also emphasized the government’s unwavering commitment to sustainable energy development.
“Liberia stands at a pivotal moment in its energy evolution, offering a rare opportunity for forward-thinking investors to engage in one of West Africa’s most promising energy frontiers,” CEO Lai affirmed. “With a stable business climate, proactive government policies, and growing regional cooperation, we are laying the foundation for transformative energy investments that will fuel economic growth and prosperity.”
The Africa Energies Summit, a premier gathering shaping Africa’s energy future, provided NOCAL with a strategic platform to highlight Liberia’s strengths. CEO Lai underscored:
– Ongoing negotiations for exploration licenses spearheaded by the Liberia Petroleum Regulatory Authority (LPRA)
– Recent major oil and gas discoveries in the Harper Basin, neighboring Ivory Coast, led by Italian energy giant ENI
– Surging investor interest in Liberia’s 2D and 3D seismic data library managed by TGS, reinforcing Liberia’s global competitiveness
Further reinforcing Liberia’s investment appeal, CEO Lai spotlighted NOCAL’s dedication to responsible energy development, focusing on environmental stewardship, technological innovation, and long-term community impact.
“Our vision extends beyond resource extraction; it’s about creating lasting value for Liberia and ensuring that our energy sector benefits all stakeholders,” he emphasized.
Industry leaders, including supermajors and mid-sized independent oil and gas firms, responded enthusiastically to Liberia’s investment prospects. Many expressed keen interests in acquiring offshore blocks or collaborating with NOCAL on additional geological and geophysical studies to expand its data library and attract further exploration activities.
The summit also facilitated high-level discussions on financing mechanisms for upcoming projects, strategic partnerships, and policy enhancements to boost foreign investment in Liberia’s energy sector.
As Liberia continues to chart its course toward energy security and economic diversification, CEO Lai’s engagement at the Africa Energies Summit reinforces NOCAL’s pivotal role in shaping the country’s energy future. With growing momentum, Liberia is positioned to emerge as a dynamic player in Africa’s evolving energy landscape.
The NOCAL delegation also included Emmanuel Azango, Vice President for Finance and Timothy Jarry, Director for Exploration and Data Management.
𝐋𝐢𝐛𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐚’𝐬 𝐍𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐎𝐢𝐥 𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐩𝐚𝐧𝐲 (𝐍𝐎𝐂𝐀𝐋) 𝐒𝐡𝐨𝐰𝐜𝐚𝐬𝐞𝐬 𝐅𝐫𝐨𝐧𝐭𝐢𝐞𝐫 𝐏𝐨𝐭𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐢𝐚𝐥 𝐚𝐭 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟓 𝐎𝐟𝐟𝐬𝐡𝐨𝐫𝐞 𝐓𝐞𝐜𝐡𝐧𝐨𝐥𝐨𝐠𝐲 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐟𝐞𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞 (𝐎𝐓𝐂) 𝐢𝐧 𝐇𝐨𝐮𝐬𝐭𝐨𝐧 – USA
In a related development, the National Oil Company of Liberia (NOCAL) participated in the 2025 Offshore Technology Conference (OTC) in Houston, Texas, joining global energy leaders in discussions on frontier market opportunities and innovative offshore exploration solutions.
As a frontier country with untapped hydrocarbon potential, Liberia was prominently featured among emerging markets such as Namibia, Suriname, and Brazil, where technological advancements and strategic partnerships are unlocking new energy resources. NOCAL’s delegation comprising Mr. M. Boakai Jaleiba, Jr. (Vice President of Administration), Cllr. E. Edjerah Barchue (Legal Director/COS to the President/CEO), and Mr. Lester Sokpah (Petroleum Geologist) engaged with industry stakeholders to highlight Liberia’s offshore prospects and explore collaborations to drive sustainable exploration and development.
The conference emphasized the role of cutting-edge technology and expertise in addressing challenges unique to frontier regions, including regulatory frameworks, environmental stewardship, and investment mobilization. NOCAL’s participation reinforced Liberia’s commitment to responsible resource development and positioned the country as an attractive destination for energy sector investment.
