Senior representatives from state-backed and nationally rooted energy companies have confirmed their participation at the Libya Energy & Economic Summit (LEES) 2026, underlining the growing importance of national champions as Libya moves to reopen and expand its upstream sector. Turkey’s TPAO, Hungary’s MOL Plc. and Poland’s ORLEN Group will all be represented at senior level, signalling renewed confidence among government-backed operators as Libya advances licensing, exploration and production activity.
Taking place from 24 to 26 January 2026 in Tripoli, the fourth edition of the Libya Energy & Economic Summit comes as the country accelerates upstream investment, refines its licensing framework and works to ease operational constraints across key 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).
Turkey’s national oil company TPAO has emerged as one of the most active state-backed entrants into Libya’s upstream landscape. In June 2025, the company 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 Libya reopens to international partnerships. CEO Ahmet Türkoğlu is scheduled to address LEES 2026.
ORLEN Group has expanded its footprint in Libya following improvements in the operating environment. Through its subsidiary PGNiG Upstream North Africa, the company resumed preparations for active exploration in 2025 after force majeure was lifted, strengthening its presence 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 group is also assessing further upstream opportunities as Libya works towards higher production targets. ORLEN Group CEO Ireneusz Fąfara will speak at LEES 2026.
Hungary’s MOL Plc. will join LEES 2026 after qualifying as an operator in Libya’s first international licensing round in almost two decades. This milestone supports MOL’s strategy to expand its international upstream portfolio and diversify crude supply sources, positioning Libya as a potential cornerstone market for future growth. The company will be represented by Zsombor Marton, Group Executive Vice President for Exploration and Production.
“The participation of national energy champions such as TPAO, MOL and ORLEN Group underscores 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 critical to driving sustainable investment and production growth.”
Industry leaders and investors are invited to join the Libya Energy & Economic Summit 2026 in Tripoli to explore opportunities across one of North Africa’s most dynamic energy markets. LEES 2026 offers a leading platform for partnerships, innovation and long-term sector growth.
