World Energies Summit: Panel Recap - MENA Upstream Outlook: Opportunities and Challenges

Bid rounds in Egypt, Algeria, and Libya are reaching heights not seen since 2000, attracting majors, independents, and NOCs alike. 

We brought together a panel of regional experts to discuss:

🌍 Regional momentum and licensing activity in MENA

🌍 Above-Ground Dynamics & Geopolitical Shifts

🌍 Egypt Upstream Gateway: A Digital Success Story

🌍 Lebanon’s Frontier Strategy

🌍 Emissions & CCS Initiatives

What did they share with the audience?

Record Licensing Activity: Bid rounds in Egypt, Algeria, and Libya are at levels not seen since 2000, driven by strategic locations, competitive fiscal terms, and low production costs, attracting a wide range of investors.

Digital Transformation is Driving Growth: Digital platforms in Egypt are central to exploration and investment, providing extensive historical data, supporting licensing rounds, and enabling the majority of upcoming drilling activity.

Government Policy & Regional Cooperation Matter: “Win-win” approaches, fiscal flexibility, political stability, and cross-border agreements are increasingly shaping investment decisions and fostering investor confidence.

Speed to Market & Infrastructure Advantage: MENA has the potential to replicate rapid discovery-to-production models, with robust infrastructure and proximity to markets positioning the region as a strategic hub.

Sustainability & Geopolitical Resilience: Carbon capture initiatives, proactive legal frameworks, and resolved or negotiated maritime boundaries are enhancing both environmental sustainability and long-term investment security.

Want to stay ahead in MENA’s upstream market? Join us in 2026 for the 4th Edition of the World Energies Summit.