Oil and gas investment across Africa continues to grow, creating demand for experienced engineers, HSE professionals, project managers and other technical specialists. Upstream investment is forecast to reach around US$41 billion in 2026, while major LNG developments in Mozambique, Tanzania and other markets continue to move forward. IOS Africa helps employers recruit qualified technical professionals for permanent, contract and project-based roles across the continent.

Key Takeaways

Upstream oil and gas investment across Africa is forecast to reach around US$41 billion in 2026.
Mozambique and Tanzania are progressing LNG developments valued at more than US$60 billion.
Nigeria, Angola and Mozambique remain among Africa’s largest energy markets.
Demand is particularly strong for petroleum, mechanical, electrical and instrumentation engineers, as well as HSE professionals.
IOS Africa recruits for permanent, contract and project-based positions across the continent.
Recruiters with regional experience help employers navigate skills shortages, local regulations and professional registration requirements.

Why Oil and Gas Investment Is Growing

Africa’s energy sector has entered another period of investment, driven by new discoveries, expanding LNG capacity and increased exploration activity.

Industry forecasts point to upstream investment of around US$41 billion in 2026, with production expected to approach 11.4 million barrels of oil equivalent per day. Offshore developments account for much of that growth, with investment expected to increase significantly over the rest of the decade.

Several factors are contributing to this. Recent offshore discoveries in Namibia and Tanzania have attracted international interest, while licensing reforms in countries such as Nigeria and Angola have encouraged new investment. At the same time, changing global energy markets have increased demand for LNG from African producers, helping long-planned projects move closer to construction.

East Africa’s Growing LNG Industry

Mozambique and Tanzania continue to attract significant attention from international energy companies.

Tanzania has an estimated 57 trillion cubic feet of recoverable natural gas and reopened offshore licensing in 2025 after more than a decade. The proposed US$42 billion Tanzania LNG project, led by Shell and Equinor, is targeting key government approvals during 2026 and is expected to create substantial employment during both construction and operations.

In Mozambique, the US$20.5 billion Mozambique LNG project operated by TotalEnergies resumed in early 2026 after several years on hold. ExxonMobil’s Rovuma LNG project is also moving towards a final investment decision, adding further momentum to development in the Rovuma Basin.

Major Oil and Gas Markets in Africa

Nigeria, Angola and Mozambique remain among the continent’s largest oil and gas producers, while Namibia, Tanzania, Ghana and Egypt continue to attract investment through exploration and new project development.

Nigeria produced approximately 1.63 million barrels of crude oil and condensate per day during 2025, while Namibia’s Orange Basin has emerged as one of the world’s most closely watched offshore exploration regions following several major discoveries.

Skills in Highest Demand

As exploration projects move into construction and production, employers continue to recruit experienced professionals across a range of technical disciplines, including:

Petroleum and process engineers
Mechanical and electrical engineers
Instrumentation and commissioning engineers
HSE (health, safety and environment) professionals
Drilling engineers and offshore personnel
Project managers overseeing construction and commissioning

What This Means for Employers

Hiring for large energy projects is rarely straightforward. The challenge isn’t simply finding engineers with the right qualifications. Employers also need people with relevant project experience, recognised certifications and, where required, professional registration that meets local regulations.

Competition for experienced professionals is increasing as multiple projects move forward across different countries at the same time. Companies that begin recruitment early generally have a much wider pool of candidates to choose from than those recruiting once construction is already underway.

Recruitment also varies from one country to another. Hiring for a commissioning project in Mozambique isn’t the same as recruiting drilling specialists in Tanzania or engineers for offshore developments in Namibia. Every market has its own labour regulations, registration requirements and talent availability.

Why Choose IOS Africa?

IOS Africa forms part of the Measured Ability (MASA) group, which has been providing staffing solutions across Africa for more than 40 years.

Employers working with IOS Africa benefit from:

A 25-point candidate screening process reviewed by a Head of Department before candidates are introduced.
Access to an established database of engineering, mining and oil and gas professionals.
Support with verifying professional registration and accreditation requirements in the country where candidates will be working.
Recruitment practices aligned with the standards of APSO, the Federation of African Professional Staffing Organisations.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which African countries have the fastest-growing oil and gas industries?

Nigeria, Angola and Mozambique continue to attract significant investment, while Namibia and Tanzania have become important emerging markets following recent offshore discoveries and LNG developments.

What oil and gas roles are most in demand?

Petroleum engineers, mechanical engineers, electrical engineers, HSE professionals, commissioning engineers and project managers remain among the most sought-after technical specialists.

Does IOS Africa recruit internationally?

Yes. IOS Africa recruits professionals from across Africa and internationally where specialist expertise is needed.

Can IOS Africa supply contract staff for project-based work?

Yes. Recruitment support includes permanent appointments, contract placements and project-based staffing, depending on the needs of each client.

Final Thoughts

Africa’s oil and gas industry continues to attract investment, creating opportunities for employers looking to build experienced technical teams across exploration, production and LNG developments.

IOS Africa recruits engineers, technical specialists and project professionals for energy projects throughout Africa, helping employers find qualified people for both permanent and contract roles.

If you’re planning your next energy project, contact IOS Africa to discuss your recruitment requirements, or learn more about engineering recruitment across Africa. You can also find out more about IOS Africa’s oil and gas recruitment services.

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Oil and Gas Recruitment in Africa