On April 18, 2025, a significant development unfolded in the oil and gas sector, as the president of Ganoub El Wadi Petroleum Company, Ashraf Bahaa El-Din, led a field visit to the Petroglif Egypt site located in the Eastern Sahara. This visit was part of the Ministry of Petroleum and Mineral Resources' ongoing efforts to enhance field oversight and ensure effective coordination of activities across various work sites. The delegation accompanying El-Din included several high-ranking officials from the petroleum sector, highlighting the importance of this initiative.
Among the notable figures present were Dr. Muhammad Saeed Radwan, Vice President for Agreements and Exploration, and Chemist Muhammad Saeed Suleiman, Assistant Chairman for Occupational Safety and Health. They were joined by Engineer Ibrahim Abdel Hamid, General Manager of Production, and Engineer Ashraf Muhammad, General Manager of Planning and Projects. The visit also featured representatives from partner companies, including Engineer Ahmed Mustafa, Chairman of PetroNefertiti, and Dr. Abdel Moneim Abu Shadi, Assistant Chairman for Exploration.
The field tour included a thorough inspection of production facilities, a crude oil treatment station, and ongoing drilling operations conducted by GHP Company. The purpose was to monitor progress and stay updated on the latest developments in the region. During this visit, a joint meeting was held at the Petroglif fields, where leaders from Petroglif, PetroNefertiti, and PetroAmir gathered to review exploration and production programs.
In a related development, Libya is also making headlines in the oil and gas sector. On April 17, 2025, Libya hosted an introductory meeting in Istanbul for international investors, marking a pivotal moment for the country after a 17-year hiatus in oil and gas exploration. The meeting was attended by prominent figures, including Khalifa Abd al-Sadiq, the Libyan Minister of Oil and Gas, and Masoud Suleiman, the head of the National Oil Corporation.
This meeting aimed to promote the recent concessions announced in Tripoli in March 2025, following similar meetings held in Houston. Abd al-Sadiq emphasized Libya's strategic location near significant economic and commercial blocs, including Europe, and highlighted that the country possesses the largest oil and gas reserves in Africa. He assured investors that stability has returned to Libya, creating a conducive environment for exploration activities.
Abd al-Sadiq urged international investors to consider Libya as a viable option for investment, stating, "I invite you to invest in Libya and contribute to achieving our vision for the oil and gas sector." The head of the National Oil Corporation echoed this sentiment, noting that Libya is undergoing a comprehensive transformation in its oil sector and is keen on strengthening its relationships with the global oil industry.
The upcoming auction for exploration rights is scheduled for November 15, 2025, with contracts to be signed between November 22 and 30, 2025. This marks a significant opportunity for foreign companies to re-enter the Libyan market, especially after the government lifted the "force majeure" status on exploration operations in December 2022.
Meanwhile, back in Egypt, the Minister of Petroleum and Mineral Resources, Karim Badawi, met with Dr. Muhammad Farouk, the Executive President of Adis Company, to discuss the company's plans for expanding research and exploration activities. This meeting reflects the Ministry's strategy of continuous monitoring and support for the petroleum sector to enhance production.
During their discussion, Farouk presented the company's plans for exploratory and production drilling in the Abu Redis area, associated with Soco Company, and in the Gulf of Suez, linked to the General Petroleum Company. He noted that the use of advanced technologies would significantly contribute to increasing crude oil production in these regions.
Minister Badawi praised the results achieved by Adis Company in the Ras Badran area, which have led to increased crude oil production in recent months. He reiterated the Ministry's commitment to providing all necessary support to attract new investments in research, exploration, development, and production of oil and gas.
Dr. Farouk emphasized that the collaboration with the Egyptian General Petroleum Authority has been instrumental in achieving the company's recent successes, highlighting the positive impact of the Ministry's initiatives to boost production. Adis Company is optimistic about expanding its exploratory and developmental drilling operations, particularly in light of promising geological evidence and favorable results in its operational areas.
As both Libya and Egypt actively pursue opportunities in the oil and gas sector, the focus remains on enhancing production capabilities and fostering international partnerships. The strategic meetings and initiatives undertaken by both nations signal a renewed commitment to maximizing the potential of their natural resources, attracting foreign investment, and ultimately contributing to their economic growth.
