Africa remains a formidable force in the global energy market, anchoring international supply chains and national economies through crude oil production.
As the world gradually pivots toward cleaner energy, the continent’s biggest oil producers are balancing rising transition pressure with the need to protect vital export earnings and jobs.
Today, five African nations stand at the helm of this energy race, each battling unique domestic challenges while striving to sustain output, attract investment, and defend their market share.
Here are the five largest crude oil producers in Africa, ranked by their daily output in barrels per day (bpd).
1. Nigeria — Still the Giant at 1.549m bpd
Nigeria retains its crown as Africa’s largest crude oil producer, pumping an estimated 1.549 million barrels per day.
Despite a history of pipeline vandalism, oil theft, and operational underinvestment, Africa’s most populous nation continues to push forward with reforms targeted at boosting transparency, modernising infrastructure, and strengthening investor confidence.
2. Libya — Rich But Fragile at 1.299m bpd
Libya remains second with 1.299 million barrels per day, powered by the vast reserves managed under the National Oil Corporation (NOC).
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However, the country operates under the shadow of political fragility. Production swings are common as rival factions battle for control of oil fields and export terminals.
Still, ongoing efforts to stabilise governance structures and protect energy installations have kept Libya among Africa’s top performers.
3. Angola — Deepwater Drive at 1.03 mbpd
With 1.03 million barrels per day, Angola holds its place as a continental heavyweight.
The country is banking on deep-water investments, modern seismic technology, and favourable fiscal terms to sustain production. New licensing rounds also reflect its determination to court multinational players and avoid a sharp decline in output from ageing fields.
4. Algeria — Gas Giant, Oil Power at 940,000 bpd
Algeria follows closely with about 940,000 barrels per day.
Though globally known for natural gas, crude remains central to Algeria’s foreign earnings. Recent reforms in the hydrocarbon law, coupled with new discoveries and export agreements, are helping the North African nation fortify its footprint in the global energy chain.
5. Egypt — Rising Regional Energy Hub at 507,000 bpd
Egypt completes the top five, producing roughly 507,000 barrels per day.
Beyond crude, Cairo is rapidly transforming into a continental energy hub with major offshore gas finds, refinery upgrades, and pipeline diplomacy aimed at positioning the country as the heart of African-Middle Eastern energy logistics.
Full Ranking: Africa’s Top Crude Producers (Daily Output)
| Rank | Country | Approx. Daily Output |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Nigeria | ~1.50m bpd |
| 2 | Libya | ~1.28m bpd |
| 3 | Angola | ~1.10m bpd |
| 4 | Algeria | ~1.00m bpd |
| 5 | Egypt | ~0.60m bpd |
| 6 | Republic of the Congo | ~275,000 bpd |
| 7 | Gabon | ~236,000 bpd |
| 8 | Ghana | ~200,000 bpd |
While these figures underline Africa’s importance in global energy security, they also point to a deeper question: Can oil-dependent economies reinvent themselves before global demand fades?
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From Nigeria’s modular refinery push to Egypt’s gas-to-power strategy, the continent’s leading producers are now investing in refinery capacity, gas processing, and alternative energy.
However, experts warn that without bold policy reform, new technology adoption, and strong security architecture around energy facilities, the race to remain relevant in a post-oil world could be fierce.
Africa’s oil giants are producing more than barrels; they are producing the future of energy resilience on the continent.
Esther Ososanya is an investigative journalist with Pinnacle Daily, reporting across health, business, environment, metro, Fct and crime. Known for her bold, empathetic storytelling, she uncovers hidden truths, challenges broken systems, and gives voice to overlooked Nigerians. Her work drives national conversations and demands accountability one powerful story at a time.
