China’s “Three Oil Giants” began their large-scale entry into Africa as early as the 2000s and have now become significant players in the continent’s oil and gas sector.
China National Petroleum Corporation (CNPC)
Africa is one of the earliest regions where China National Petroleum Corporation (CNPC) expanded globally. Since 1995, CNPC has engaged in energy cooperation in Africa, establishing a distinctive partnership approach that differs significantly from the operational models of traditional Western oil companies. Its footprint spans over 20 countries and regions, including Chad, Niger, Mozambique, and Benin.
In Nigeria, CNPC participates in the exploration of multiple onshore and shallow-water blocks. In Niger, CNPC leads the development of the Agadem oil field and the construction of a crude oil pipeline spanning over 1,900 kilometers, securing a $400 million crude oil supply agreement in 2024. In Mozambique, CNPC holds a 20% stake in the Rovuma LNG project, one of the largest LNG projects in Africa.
CNPC’s technology exports focus primarily on pipeline construction and onshore oilfield development, with expertise in an integrated “oilfield + pipeline + refinery” model.
China Petrochemical Corporation (Sinopec)
In recent years, China Petrochemical Corporation (Sinopec) has actively engaged in cooperation across Africa in areas such as oil and gas resource investment, petroleum engineering technical services, refining and chemical engineering services, and energy trade. Sinopec focuses on engineering services and refining/petrochemicals, including undertaking and completing engineering design projects such as the 600,000 tons/year catalytic cracking unit at the N’Djamena Refinery in Chad, the expansion of the 5 million tons/year condensate processing unit and its storage and transportation facilities in Algeria, as well as technology export projects like the delayed coking project in Sudan. The company has also executed engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) projects, such as the 200,000 tons/year methyl tert-butyl ether (MTBE) unit at the Arzew Refinery in Algeria, and has established extensive cooperative relationships with local clients.
In addition to engineering and refining, in 2013, Sinopec International Petroleum Exploration and Production Corporation (SIPC), a subsidiary of Sinopec, officially entered Egypt’s upstream and midstream oil and gas market by acquiring equity in the Apache project in Egypt.
China National Offshore Oil Corporation (CNOOC)
China National Offshore Oil Corporation (CNOOC) focuses on deepwater and offshore projects. In Nigeria, it holds a 45% stake in the OML130 block, which includes the development of the Egina ultra-deepwater oil field. This project utilizes an FPSO (Floating Production Storage and Offloading) vessel with a peak production capacity of 200,000 barrels per day. CNOOC has introduced China’s independently developed FPSO technology and subsea production systems. In Angola, CNOOC participates in multiple deepwater blocks. The company’s technology exports emphasize deepwater engineering and FPSO construction, and in recent years, it has been promoting Chinese-standard equipment in Africa.
The advantages of Chinese enterprises in Africa lie in their low costs, rapid execution, strong willingness to cooperate with local governments, and technological exports that include infrastructure construction and localized training. However, they also face challenges such as geopolitical risks and environmental compliance pressures. In recent years, Chinese companies have shifted from a “resources-for-infrastructure” approach to a greater emphasis on sustainable development and projects involving LNG and natural gas, forming complementary partnerships with international giants.
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Post time: Feb-10-2026