The Libyan British Business Council (LBBC), in partnership with the National Oil Corporation of Libya (NOC), hosted the ‘‘Libya Energy Forum: Realising Libya’s Energy Ambitions’’ from 11 to 14 May in London as part of the Africa Energies Summit 2026.
The LBBC said the Forum marked an important moment in the UK–Libya energy relationship, bringing together the largest-ever NOC delegation to engage with senior international oil and gas companies, investors and policymakers.
Led by NOC Chairman Masoud Suleiman, the delegation included senior representatives from across the NOC’s key operational departments, spanning production, exploration, reserves development, technical data management, training, major projects and investment management, as well as the chairmen of NOC operating companies including Nafusah Oil Operations, Zueitina Oil Company, Mellitah Oil and Gas, Harouge Oil Operations, Sirte Oil Company, Akakus Oil Operations, AGOCO and Waha Oil Company.
The Forum also welcomed senior representatives from leading international energy companies including BP, Shell, Chevron, Trafigura, SLB, Vitol, Aggreko and Gulfsands, for a focused programme of keynote addresses, panel discussions and private bilateral meetings with NOC officials.
Libya’s energy sector is entering a period of renewed momentum. Production has reached its highest level in 13 years, at approximately 1.3 million barrels per day, with a roadmap to 2 million barrels per day within three to five years, supported by staged targets of 1.6 million barrels per day by the end of 2026 and 1.8 million barrels per day in 2027.
This strategy is underpinned by brownfield and enhanced oil recovery programmes, the development of more than 42 marginal fields, 19 greenfield redevelopment opportunities encompassing 1.63 billion barrels of oil equivalent in place, and an active exploration programme that has already seen recent discoveries by Repsol, OMV and Sonatrach.
The programme opened with a keynote address and fireside conversation with the NOC Chairman, moderated by Haythem Rashed, Managing Director of Quidux, followed by a panel discussion on Libya’s energy landscape, investment priorities and growth opportunities.
The Forum concluded with a press briefing by the Chairman of the NOC and the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between the NOC and the Libyan British Business Council, ending the day’s discussions on a tangible outcome.
Chairman Masoud Suleiman said: “Libya is open for business and we improved our terms and conditions [as well as] our business environment to meet international standards.”
Peter Millett CMG, Chairman of the LBBC, welcomed delegates in his opening address and, following the signing ceremony, remarked: “The LBBC was honoured and delighted to host such a high-level delegation from the NOC to London. We are excited by the clear range of opportunities identified for UK-based companies to support the NOC to deliver on its strategies. The Memorandum of Understanding I signed with Chairman Masoud Suleman highlights our commitment to follow up this visit and to co-operate to deliver concrete results for our members and for Libya.”
The Libya Energy Forum formed part of a broader programme of engagement for the NOC delegation in London from 11–14 May 2026, which also included the Africa Energies Summit, and a VIP dinner hosted by the LBBC on 12 May.
Chairman Masoud Suleiman also met the Minister for the Middle East, Hamish Falconer, at the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO), where they discussed the UK’s support for the recent unified budget agreement and exploring investment opportunities for British businesses. The NOC then signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the British Council, with support from the FCDO, to develop a comprehensive training offer for the NOC and its subsidiaries.
Ben Rawlings, Deputy head of Mission at the British Embassy Tripoli said, “This is the largest ever Libyan delegation from the NOC to London. The visit marks a significant moment in the UK Libya relationship, demonstrating our commitment to working with Libyan institutions to support stability and security in both Libya and the North Africa region.”
