Libya Energy & Economic Summit 2026 to Showcase Upstream Investment Opportunities Across North Africa
Libya, December 29, 2025 — Senior executives from leading state-backed and nationally anchored energy companies will take part in the Libya Energy & Economic Summit (LEES) 2026, underscoring the growing role of national energy champions in Libya’s upstream reopening. Turkey’s TPAO, Hungary’s MOL Plc., and Poland’s ORLEN Group have confirmed senior-level participation, signalling renewed confidence among government-backed operators as Libya advances licensing, exploration, and production activity.
Scheduled for 24–26 January 2026 in Tripoli, the fourth edition of LEES arrives at a pivotal moment as Libya accelerates upstream investment, refines its licensing framework, and works to ease operational constraints across key producing basins. Held under the theme “Infrastructure & Investment Driving Energy Growth,” the summit is officially endorsed by the Office of the Prime Minister, the Ministry of Oil and Gas, and the National Oil Corporation (NOC).
National Oil Companies Step Forward
Turkey’s national oil company TPAO has emerged as one of the most active state-backed entrants into Libya’s upstream sector. In June 2025, TPAO signed an offshore exploration memorandum of understanding with the NOC covering geological and geophysical studies across four offshore areas, including a 10,000-kilometre 2D seismic survey. Having also qualified as an operator in Libya’s 2025 bid round, TPAO has signalled its readiness to deploy both capital and technical expertise as the country reopens to international partnerships. TPAO CEO Ahmet Türkoğlu will address LEES 2026.
ORLEN Group of Poland has expanded its Libyan footprint following improvements in the operating environment. Through PGNiG Upstream North Africa, the company resumed preparations for active exploration in 2025 after the lifting of force majeure, strengthening its position in the Murzuq Basin. ORLEN operates the 5,500 km² EPL 113 concession and has engaged with the NOC and Zallaf Oil and Gas on production forecasts at the Al-Wafa field, technical cooperation, and gas infrastructure development. The company is also assessing additional upstream opportunities as Libya moves toward higher production targets. ORLEN Group CEO Ireneusz Fąfara will speak at LEES 2026.
Hungary’s MOL Plc. joins LEES 2026 following its qualification as an operator in Libya’s first international licensing round in nearly 20 years. The milestone supports MOL’s strategy to expand its international upstream portfolio and diversify crude supply sources, positioning Libya as a potential cornerstone market for long-term growth. MOL will be represented by Zsombor Marton, Group Exploration and Production Executive Vice President.
Industry Confidence in Libya’s Upstream Future
“The participation of national energy champions such as TPAO, MOL, and ORLEN Group highlights the renewed confidence state-backed operators are placing in Libya’s upstream potential,” said James Chester, CEO of Energy Capital & Power. “Their long-term outlook, institutional backing, and operational capabilities will be essential to driving sustainable investment and production growth.”
Industry leaders are invited to join LEES 2026 in Tripoli to explore investment opportunities in one of North Africa’s most dynamic energy markets. The summit provides a premier platform for partnership-building, innovation, and long-term sector growth as Libya reopens its upstream sector to global collaboration.
