Libya – Three recent analytical reports spotlight growing global competition for rights to explore and develop Libyan oil, as the country seeks to revive its energy sector and attract fresh foreign investment.
US- and French-led race for new licences
Reports published by Business Insider Africa, Energy Capital & Power and AI Invest say oil majors—led by America’s Chevron and France’s TotalEnergies, along with Italy’s Eni and Exxon Mobil—are vying for Libya’s first licensing round since 2011. Tripoli hopes to lift national crude output to 2 million barrels a day by 2030.
High-risk, high-reward market
Libya offers a rare opening for big energy firms: sizeable untapped reserves but significant geopolitical risk. Analysts argue the country could deliver long-term assets critical to global energy security, particularly in offshore zones such as the Ghadames Basin.
Political hurdles and ageing infrastructure
The reports caution that Libya’s volatile politics, ageing oil facilities and frequent production stoppages demand operators with conflict-zone experience. Turkish firms have also entered exploration under a controversial geological accord that has drawn objections from Greece, adding another layer of complexity.
Houston forum to spotlight Libyan opportunities
The US-Africa Energy Forum, set for 6–7 August in Houston, will feature a “Invest in Libya” round-table, pairing US oil-service firms with Libyan officials to discuss reviving idle fields and boosting output.
More tenders on the horizon
Libya’s National Oil Corporation plans a second licensing round in late 2025, targeting companies specialising in well maintenance, reservoir stimulation, water injection and advanced drilling—services judged pivotal to achieving sustainable production.
Direct access to decision-makers
Forum sessions will give US companies one-to-one time with Libyan policymakers to clarify bid schedules, project timelines and partnership models as Tripoli prepares a new chapter for its oil industry.
