A fireside chat with Hon. Marilyn T. Logan, Director General, Liberia Petroleum Regulatory Authority (LPRA)
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At AOW Energy, we’re committed to identifying the next frontier markets, countries with the geology, the governance, and the leadership to attract serious exploration and investment. One of those standout markets is Liberia.
With a long, often untold, history in the energy sector and a newly revitalized vision under the guidance of Hon. Marilyn T. Logan, Director General of the Liberia Petroleum Regulatory Authority (LPRA), Liberia’s upstream narrative is being redefined.
In this exclusive feature, Paul Sinclair, CEO of AOW Energy, sits down with Hon. Logan to explore Liberia’s past, present, and future, and why 2025 may be its most pivotal moment yet.
A Legacy Ready for a New Chapter
Paul Sinclair:
Marilyn, I’ve had the pleasure of travelling to Monrovia and experiencing first-hand the vibrancy and spirit of Liberia. It’s a country with immense potential. I also fondly remember hosting H.E. President Joseph Nyuma Boakai Sr. back in 2015 in London when he was Vice President, we spoke at length about his bold vision for Liberia. Now, seeing him steer the country into a new dawn as President is inspiring. How would you describe the historical journey of Liberia’s petroleum sector, and what’s the vision now under your leadership?
Hon. Marilyn T. Logan:
Thank you, Paul, and I deeply appreciate your long-standing support and belief in Liberia. The journey began over 70 years ago, when the first seismic data was acquired. Major companies like Union Carbide and Chevron began drilling, followed by Amoco in the 1980s. Though early discoveries weren’t commercially viable, they confirmed a working petroleum system.
In 2000, we enacted new laws, established NOCAL, and reengaged with the international community, and in 2014, the New Petroleum Law ushered in a transparent and investor-focused era, and the Liberia Petroleum Regulatory Authority was born.
Today, under President Boakai’s leadership and LPRA, we’re entering a new chapter. I invite you to join us in tapping into Liberia’s frontier hydrocarbon basin, an untapped potential in the global energy landscape.
Our vision integrates robust socio-economic development with lucrative investment opportunities. Under my administration, we are committed to creating a stable, transparent, and ethical investment environment. We welcome partners who share our values, those with financial strength, technical excellence, and a dedication to environmental and community integrity.
Why Liberia?
Paul Sinclair:
If I am not mistaken, Liberia’s offshore margin shares similar geology with major discoveries in Côte d’Ivoire, Ghana, and even Guyana. Can you explain why the geology of Liberia is so exciting right now?
Hon. Marilyn T. Logan:
Absolutely. The Harper Basin shares very close geology to high-performing plays along the Atlantic Margin. Our offshore sedimentary structures, particularly the Cretaceous stratigraphic traps mirror those that delivered major finds in Ghana and Guyana.
Liberia’s 29 offshore blocks sit along a margin that can be tectonically reconstructed to align with Guyana. With over 20,000 km of modern seismic, the up-dip traps and syn-rift structures hold enormous potential. Recent re-interpretations are lighting up previously overlooked prospects.
With the right partners, this could be Africa’s next deepwater success story.
LPRA: A Transparent, Phased Licensing Process
Paul Sinclair:
Liberia’s licensing process has received praise for its clarity and structure. Why is it so attractive to investors?
Hon. Marilyn T. Logan:
Our licensing framework is built on transparency and progression. We use a 6-phase Direct Negotiation process that guides investors through every stage of engagement, ensuring clarity, fairness, and accountability:
- LPRA Announcement of Licensing Round
- Prequalification of Interested Companies
- Submission of Block Interest
- Selection for PSC Negotiations
- Negotiation Process
- Execution of PSCs
Each phase is clearly communicated, and approvals are handled professionally and promptly. This process is designed to attract serious, capable investors who value good governance, and we are already seeing strong interest due to the structure of negotiations I just set out. What we hope to achieve in AOW Energy Ghana is enter into discussions with operators to drive new growth, exploration and eventually production for our nation
Meet LPRA at AOW Energy 2025
Paul Sinclair:
Why is it important for companies and partners to meet LPRA at AOW Energy 2025?
Hon. Marilyn T. Logan:
AOW Energy 2025 offers the opportunity to meet Liberia at the right time. We are now open, transparent, and ready to build partnerships. The event allows us to present seismic data, open acreage, and our model PSC framework in a dedicated National Showcase.
Most importantly, it allows operators to engage directly with LPRA’s leadership and technical team. We’re looking to build partnerships and opening the door to a long-term vision of shared success.
Looking Ahead at what people can expect from LPRA at AOW Energy
Paul Sinclair:
Marilyn, what do you personally hope to achieve at AOW Energy 2025?
Hon. Marilyn T. Logan:
My goal is to establish our vision and opportunity in Liberia to the global upstream community. We have great geology; I have a clear vision for success and we want to use this event to engage with operators and private sector for new partnership.
I want investors and operators to understand that Liberia is open, ready, and competitive. With strong governance, geological potential, and political support, the conditions are right.
I’m looking forward to meeting companies face-to-face to discuss licensing, development, and collaboration. We’ll be hosting strategic meetings throughout AOW Energy and extending invitations to continue those discussions in Monrovia.
As the global energy community looks for new frontiers, I believe Liberia is ready to lead. Now is our time.
Join Liberia and LPRA at AOW Energy 2025 in Accra
Don’t miss the Liberia National Showcase and strategic meetings with LPRA at AOW Energy 2025, 15–18 September in Accra, Ghana.
Learn more at: www.aowenergy.com
Contact for private meetings WITH LPRA at AOW:Energy: paul.sinclair@aowenergy.com