Gil Holzman, President & CEO, Eco Atlantic Oil & Gas, will speak at the Invest in African Energy Forum 2025 in Paris, following the company’s recent expansion in the Orange Basin and strategic approach to low-carbon exploration in Africa
Gil Holzman, President & CEO of Eco Atlantic Oil & Gas, will be a featured speaker at the Invest in African Energy (IAE) Forum 2025 in Paris this May. His participation comes at a pivotal time for the company, following its recent strategic expansion in the highly prospective Orange Basin, offshore South Africa, and its broader focus on low-carbon exploration across the continent.
Eco Atlantic, headquartered in Canada, has been strategically bolstering its African portfolio through key transactions and targeted exploration initiatives. A significant move in this direction occurred in June 2024, when the company farmed into Block 1 in the Orange Basin. This acquisition significantly strengthens Eco Atlantic’s presence in this promising region, known for its substantial hydrocarbon potential. Importantly, Block 1 already boasts extensive 2D and 3D seismic data, providing a significant advantage for Eco Atlantic. The company has no immediate plans for further seismic acquisition or well drilling during the three-year carried period. Instead, their experienced in-house exploration team will focus on meticulously interpreting and analyzing the existing data to guide their planned Work Program.
This strategic approach underscores Eco Atlantic’s commitment to efficient and data-driven exploration. By leveraging existing seismic data, the company can minimize both costs and environmental impact, while accelerating the process of identifying and evaluating potential drilling targets. This focus on efficiency is a key element of Eco Atlantic’s overall strategy.
Beyond Block 1, Eco Atlantic holds substantial interests in other key blocks in the region, including Blocks 2B and 3B/4B in South Africa, along with four licenses in Namibia. This diversified portfolio positions the company to capitalize on the significant exploration opportunities present in the Orange Basin.
Eco Atlantic’s exploration philosophy centers on identifying and developing low-carbon intensity oil and gas resources in politically stable emerging markets that are strategically located close to existing infrastructure.This approach allows the company to minimize its environmental footprint while maximizing the economic viability of its projects. By prioritizing proven basins with established infrastructure, Eco Atlantic aims to accelerate development timelines and enhance returns for its stakeholders.
The IAE Forum 2025 provides a crucial platform for industry leaders like Holzman to discuss the evolving energy landscape in Africa. The forum will highlight how independent oil and gas companies, such as Eco Atlantic, are navigating the challenges and opportunities presented by the continent’s dynamic energy sector. Discussions will likely focus on strategies for attracting investment, promoting sustainable resource development, and contributing to the energy transition. Holzman’s insights and perspectives will be particularly valuable as the industry seeks to balance the need for reliable energy access with the growing imperative for environmentally responsible exploration practices. His participation reinforces Eco Atlantic’s commitment to playing a leading role in shaping the future of African energy.