Developing Angola's oil & gas sector

Angola's gas output expansion took center stage at this week's Oil & Gas conference in Luanda. CNBC Africa's Fifi Peters sat down with Liz Williamson, Head of Energy for Rand Merchant Bank, to delve into the development of domestic project finance capabilities and a local syndicated loan market. Williamson shed light on the recent uptick in M&A interest in the oil and gas sector post-COVID-19, emphasizing the importance of ensuring good energy access across the continent. She highlighted the growing appetite to invest in Africa's abundant resources and opportunities. Amid this enthusiasm, Williamson stressed the need for sustainable practices in project development, noting the industry's increased focus on environmental stewardship and responsible operations. She emphasized the role of technology and investor scrutiny in driving prudent and environmentally conscious asset development. Despite the promising prospects in the sector, Williamson also cautioned about the risks involved in oil and gas investments, advocating for a balanced approach to assessing opportunities across the upstream, midstream, and downstream segments. She underscored the significance of natural gas in powering Africa's energy transition, emphasizing its synergy with renewable energy sources to address the continent's power deficit.