70 years of partnership in Angola

2 min read | september 20, 2024

Since its first geological survey in Angola, in 1954, Chevron has discovered and developed major oil fields—and played a crucial role in the nation’s economic growth.

For 70 years, Chevron and the Angolan government have worked together to develop the nation’s thriving energy industry and improve the lives of Angolans.

Just ask Gabriel Ivaba. He’s a production operations manager who joined Chevron as a trainee in 1986. Ivaba has personally witnessed the company’s positive impact.

“I’m excited to be part of a company that produces the energy that enables human progress in Angola and throughout the world,” Ivaba said. “It’s exciting to be part of a great legacy.”

As Chevron marks its 70th year in the country, we’re looking back at this historic partnership.

In Angola, Chevron sponsors programs that focus on health, education and economic development.

a history of breakthroughs

In 1954, Chevron’s subsidiary Cabinda Gulf Oil Co. Ltd. (CABGOC) began its first geological field survey in Angola. This led to a series of significant discoveries and developments, and it was the dawn of a new era for the country’s energy sector.

Chevron sponsored a Sickle Cell Initiative at Hospital Pediátrico David Bernardino in Luanda, Angola. This is one of many health programs Chevron has invested in throughout its 70-year partnership with the Angolan government.

investing in people

CABGOC is one of Angola’s top oil and gas producers. It’s also one of the largest foreign employers in the country’s energy industry. In fact, more than 90% of the CABGOC’s workforce is Angolan.

In the past six years, 104 Chevron employees in Angola have graduated from the company’s early career development programs. These internationally recognized programs help advance employees’ knowledge in science and related industry disciplines while building skills and experience.

Meet an Angolan woman who’s making waves as the first forewoman on the Mafumeira Sul offshore platform.

health alliance

Since 2017, Chevron has invested more than $39.2 million in Angolan programs that focus on health, education, economic development and the environment.

“To me, the most important positive impact Chevron has had over the past 70 years has been in local communities in Angola,” Ivaba said.

Health programs have helped reduce the prevalence of and risk of death from HIV/AIDS, malaria, COVID-19 and other diseases. Educational programs for health care workers have contributed to increased life expectancies for women and children and helped to lower maternal, infant and under-five mortality rates.

innovation at work

The Angola Liquefied Natural Gas (ALNG) Project was the world’s first LNG plant supplied with associated gas. It is one of the largest projects on the African continent and the first LNG project in Angola. With the capacity to process 1.1 billion cubic feet of natural gas per day, the ALNG plant helps Chevron meet the global demand for natural gas.

Today, Chevron is testing emerging technology offshore Angola, both under the sea and in the sky. These new tools are meant to help solve geological challenges, increase efficiency and help reduce carbon intensity.

For example, in 2020, Chevron piloted tiny remote-operated vehicles for the first time to help inspect underwater platform structures offshore Angola. In 2022, the company launched a drone campaign to find and help minimize methane emissions on its Mafumeira Sul Platform.

Last year, Chevron New Energies and the government of Angola signed a memorandum of understanding to explore lower carbon intensity business opportunities.

“We’re optimistic that through continued strategic collaborations and continuous innovation, we can achieve a more sustainable and inclusive energy future for all.”

billy lacobie

managing director of chevron’s southern africa strategic business unit