While economic diversification plays a growing part in Angola’s tapestry, oil and gas are still crucial for growth and FDI, with Alfort Petroleum a leading player in this field
The Gianni Gaspar Martins Foundation (GGMF) manages a range of charity projects.
Given its American origins, Alfort Petroleum’s enviable track record of success in the highly competitive international oil and gas industry is no surprise, with the lucrative sector valuing knowledge and experience above all else.
Founded a couple of decades ago on the principle of delivering superior services, its rich ethos of excellence has seen it go from strength to strength as it transitioned from a service provider to an exploration and production entity.
Honoring a steadfast commitment to strict environmental preservation and social responsibility in its operational domains, Alfort Petroleum strives to positively influence community lives, environmental protection and business growth through the transfer of key skills and knowledge to local partners and workers.
Headed by the experienced businessman and philanthropist, Gianni Gaspar Martins, the firm’s main focus is on the exploration and production of oil and natural gas from its Block KON-8 in the Kwanza basin. Bolstering reserves and boosting capacity to meet the increasing demand for energy are also core goals.
The enterprise’s various onshore exploration and production activities — which are foundational to its portfolio — span exploration, appraisal, development, production and the commercialization of oil and natural gas reserves.
“The oil and gas sector in Angola is thriving again,” Gaspar Martins states. “At one point, some major companies considered exiting, but that has changed with companies like Chevron and Exxon showing renewed interest in new areas like the Namibe Basin.
“These long-established players are now seeking new concessions, signaling strong confidence in Angola’s energy future. The improved fiscal terms have also made investors feel more comfortable committing to long-term projects.”
Turning to Alfort Petroleum’s operations, he adds: “We are in the Kwanza Basin, where, aside from the Kaminho project, there has been little activity. However, our seismic results are promising, and we believe the basin will be a significant asset for Angola in the future.
“KON-8 is one of four concessions within an environmental protection area, so we approach operations with extra caution and sensitivity. It is a high-risk, high-reward block — if successful, the returns will be significant. The field visits are unique, offering a chance for safari-like experiences. Despite the challenges, we are excited about the potential of KON-8.”
According to the industry expert, the Namibe Basin likely holds significant resources, as major international oil companies (IOCs) have expressed a great deal of interest in tapping into its rich potential in a further sign of the confidence and investment flowing into the republic.
“The IOCs’ expertise suggests we will see pleasant surprises there,” he adds. “The oil sector is rebounding well and Angola should maintain its 1.1 million barrels per day and potentially boost output by the end of the decade. Exploration returning is always a good sign — when exploration stops, concerns arise. As long as exploration continues, it is just a matter of time until discoveries are made.”
Strong US support benefits both nations
The power and potential of US-Angola relations, especially in the context of investment, business and energy projects, is impressive. When it comes to developing major infrastructure and projects, this growing transatlantic connection is crucial, but is also significant on a more personal level for Gaspar Martins.
“I consider the US a second home; I completed my high school, undergraduate, and graduate studies there, and we have private equity partnerships from the US at Alfort Petroleum,” he shares. “The relationship between Angola and the US is strategic and mutually beneficial. Angola benefits from being close to the US, the world’s most powerful market, not just in oil and gas expertise, but in many areas.
“While US funding for the capital-intensive oil sector can be challenging to secure, it is reliable when obtained. Historically, Africa has been closer to Europe, but China recognized Africa’s strategic value early on. Now, as the US shows more interest in Angola, it signals growing trust. Angola’s shift toward transparency and compliance is key, especially as the country moves past its history of corruption concerns.”
GIANNI GASPAR MARTINS GENERAL MANAGER, ALFORT PETROLEUM “Africa is the next frontier, but we must work more united and recognize the value of what we have.”
Gianni Gaspar Martins | General Manager, Alfort Petroleum
“Increased US attention sends a positive message: Angola is becoming a better place to invest. Under President Trump’s administration, the focus on business and finding common ground remains positive.
“I am all for a business-oriented approach, as long as it creates a win-win for both sides. It is certainly encouraging to see the US and Angola strengthening their relationship,” the charismatic general manager explains.
Despite his heavy workload, Gaspar Martins still finds the time to hold executive positions at two leading financial institutions. Additionally, he is deeply engaged in social causes, serving as the president and founder of the Gianni Gaspar Martins Foundation (GGMF). This non-profit, non-governmental organization is committed to philanthropy via educational, healthcare and social initiatives. The GGMF recently brought foreign doctors to perform heart surgeries on children with congenital defects.
Drive for local talent bodes well
This focus on human development that aims to transform the lives of children, teenagers and young adults in the fields of health, education art and culture, are an ideal match with those adopted by Alfort Petroleum as it seeks to recruit talented and dedicated young professionals to steer its future course.
“The energy sector offers young people many opportunities across various disciplines,” he says. “Young professionals should invest in education, as the sector still relies heavily on foreign consultants. As exploration continues, more skilled personnel will be needed, creating long-term career prospects. At Alfort Petroleum, we plan to significantly boost recruitment in the next two years due to expected growth.
“Africa is the next frontier in energy, but we must work more united and recognize the value of what we have,” he continues. “Often, we try to copy solutions from other places without considering the unique context of Angola.
“While learning from others is important, we need patience and a focus on developing our own solutions, taking the time to do it right, instead of seeking quick fixes.”
Fonte: Business Focus
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