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Exploration and production companies ConocoPhillips and Marathon Oil have confirmed their joint Silver Partnership at this year’s African Energy Week (AEW): Invest in African Energies 2025, taking place from September 29 to October 3 in Cape Town. The partnership underscores both companies’ long-standing commitment to Africa’s energy sector and reinforces Equatorial Guinea’s position as a leading regional gas hub.

In 2024, ConocoPhillips completed the acquisition of Marathon Oil Corporation, strengthening its African portfolio by unlocking $1 billion in synergies. Now part of ConocoPhillips, Marathon Oil continues to build on more than two decades of investment in Equatorial Guinea’s gas sector. The company plays a pivotal role in Equatorial Guinea’s Gas Mega Hub (GMH) initiative, which consolidates offshore gas volumes, optimizes LNG and methanol production, and strengthens regional energy security. Marathon holds a 63% working interest in the Alba Field and an 80% operating interest in Block D, alongside equity-method investments of 52% in Alba Plant, 60% in EG Holdings and 45% in AMPCO Metal.

Last year, Marathon Oil signed a five-year LNG sales agreement with Glencore Energy UK, redirecting volumes from methanol to LNG production to further monetize the Alba Field and deliver benefits to local communities. The company continues to collaborate with the Ministry of Mines and Hydrocarbons, Noble Energy and Chevron on the next phases of the GMH, connecting offshore gas fields to centralized processing and export facilities.

Marathon Oil is also central to Equatorial Guinea’s gas industry through the Punta Europa integrated gas complex, home to the country’s largest petroleum infrastructure, including one of Africa’s leading LNG facilities and a world-class methanol plant. Its operations consistently achieve near 99% reliability, setting a benchmark for efficiency and performance in the region. Last year, the company entered into a five-year LNG sales agreement with Glencore UK, linking Alba field gas to the European market and strengthening supply security to Europe amid ongoing geopolitical challenges.

Beyond its commercial footprint, Marathon Oil has also demonstrated the value of public-private partnerships through its emphasis on local content, workforce training and social investment programs in education, healthcare and community development. Notably, the company was a founding partner of the Bioko Island Malaria Elimination Project, a 20-year initiative that achieved a 97% reduction in malaria transmission and a 64% decline in child mortality.

Meanwhile, Marathon Oil places a strong emphasis on local content through its leadership role in the GMH initiative. The company prioritizes the use of national resources and actively invests in capacity building by training local professionals, promoting skills transfer and fostering technology exchange. These efforts are designed to deliver measurable benefits to the national economy while ensuring that the development of the country’s integrated gas business creates long-term opportunities for local communities and enterprises.

“ConocoPhillips and Marathon Oil’s participation in AEW 2025 highlights the companies’ enduring role in Equatorial Guinea and broader contribution to Africa’s energy future. By combining operational excellence with long-term investment, the companies are helping to advance regional energy security and ensure that Africa’s resources drive inclusive, sustainable growth,” stated Tomás Gerbasio, VP of Commercial and Strategic Engagement at the African Energy Chamber.

AEW: Invest in African Energies is the platform of choice for project operators, financiers, technology providers and government, and has emerged as the official place to sign deals in African energy. Visit www.aecweek.com for more information about this exciting event.