Venezuela is seeking to accelerate its return to the global energy stage with the support of the African Energy Chamber (AEC). An AEC delegation will undertake a working mission from August 3 to 5, 2026, to support the country’s ongoing reforms in the oil, natural gas, and energy infrastructure sectors, while encouraging new international investment.
Led by NJ Ayuk, Executive Chairman of the African Energy Chamber, the mission will bring together AEC representatives, senior government officials, and key stakeholders from Venezuela’s energy sector. Discussions will focus on investment opportunities, industrial partnerships, and strategies to mobilize greater foreign capital in support of the country’s energy sector recovery.
This initiative comes at a time of profound transformation within Venezuela’s energy landscape. After years of declining investment and international constraints, the country has launched a series of reforms aimed at improving its attractiveness to private investors and technology partners.
Home to the world’s largest proven oil reserves, as well as substantial natural gas resources, Venezuela possesses enormous energy potential. The challenge now is to transform this geological advantage into productive capacity through increased financing, advanced technologies, and international expertise.
Recent regulatory reforms have created new opportunities for international energy companies. Several global players have already renewed their interest in the Venezuelan market. Repsol plans to increase production from its assets in the country, while Eni is advancing heavy oil projects in the Orinoco Belt. Chevron is also continuing its operations, confirming the gradual return of major international operators to the Venezuelan energy sector.
Natural gas is emerging as another key pillar of Venezuela’s development strategy. The country’s offshore gas resources are attracting growing interest through several projects designed to strengthen regional energy supplies. Shell is developing the Dragon gas field, which is expected to export natural gas to Trinidad and Tobago, while bp is advancing the Cocuina-Manakin project. At the same time, Repsol and Eni are working to increase production at the Cardón IV project.
For the African Energy Chamber, Venezuela’s energy potential extends well beyond conventional hydrocarbons. The development of the natural gas sector could also support the emergence of new technology-driven industries, including data centers, artificial intelligence, and digital infrastructure, all of which require reliable and competitively priced electricity.
“Venezuela remains a critical player in global energy security. The reforms currently underway can create the conditions needed to attract the investment and technologies required to increase production,” said NJ Ayuk.
Through this mission, the African Energy Chamber aims to strengthen connections between Venezuela and international investors by highlighting the opportunities offered by a market endowed with vast natural resources.
