Equatorial Guinea has taken steps to boost investor confidence in its oil and gas sector with the rollout of Decree No. 100/2024, which came into effect at the beginning of 2025.
The new measure introduces a more structured and predictable process for enforcing court judgments against petroleum companies, addressing long-standing concerns among international operators about inconsistent rulings and legal uncertainty. The decree works alongside the OHADA Uniform Act on Enforcement and is intended to bring greater uniformity to the handling of disputes in the energy industry. It forms part of the government’s wider effort to protect national interests while ensuring that the operating environment remains appealing to foreign investors.
According to Abraham Abia, Managing Director and energy lawyer at Clarence Abogados & Asociados, the framework responds directly to earlier fears of judicial bias by establishing a more transparent and balanced enforcement system, thereby supporting a more stable climate for global energy players.
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Protecting oil and gas industry
Oil and gas remain central to Equatorial Guinea’s economy, and officials recognize that investor security hinges on a dependable legal framework. Foreign companies have for years expressed frustration over unpredictable decisions and the risk of wrongful enforcement, which undermined trust and added to operational risks. To address this, the decree outlines a specialized enforcement procedure intended to avoid abrupt actions that could disrupt economic stability. It introduces mandatory steps, government oversight prior to enforcement, clear timelines, and penalties for non-compliance.
Transparency and due process are key features of the reform. Courts involved in relevant cases must forward the execution file to the Supreme Court, the Presidency of the Government, the Ministry of Hydrocarbons, and the Office of the Prosecutor. The Prosecutor’s Office is tasked with verifying adherence to procedure and reporting any irregularities. For international companies, these changes represent a significant shift, offering stronger safeguards against arbitrary actions and improving predictability in the investment environment. The approach also aligns with the country’s broader ambition to create a business climate that is both economically resilient and legally reliable.
After the review process, the Presidency of the Republic issues an administrative decree determining how the judgment will be enforced, ensuring that execution of rulings aligns with national economic priorities and the protection of foreign investment. Overall, Decree No. 100/2024 reflects an effort to modernize the legal framework governing Equatorial Guinea’s oil and gas industry. By clarifying enforcement procedures and strengthening institutional checks, the government aims to reinforce its position as a stable and competitive destination for energy investment, and foreign companies are encouraged to familiarize themselves with the new rules to avoid future disputes.
