Targeted lubricants supply for Angola’s growth sectors

Angola

Olivier de Quelen, managing shareholder of Lubex Africa, talks to The Energy Year about Angola's changing demand for lubricants, particularly in the mining sector; its main suppliers; and how it plans to continue building on its success. Lubex Africa is an Angolan lubricants and chemicals distributor.

How has the company grown its client base in Angola?
Lubex Africa was founded in 2004 amidst the deregulation of the lubricants market in Angola. The Petroleum Activities Law (Law 10/04) mandated that companies must source lubricants from local producers rather than directly from international suppliers. The aim was to stimulate local investment and encourage companies to set up distribution networks within the country.
We first approached Chevron (CABGOC) with the intent of establishing operations in Cabinda. The logistical challenges of transporting lubricants directly to Cabinda were significant, yet we succeeded in winning a tender to supply CABGOC, and since 2016, we have been reliably providing them with the lubricants they need.
Over the years, Chevron has remained a substantial client, but we have also diversified our client base. We expanded our presence by introducing brands such as Caltex into Angola. In 2025, we entered the marine sector, serving clients such as Tidewater and Bourbon. We approach each sector with a tailored strategy, ensuring we stock the essential lubricants for each one. We have also expanded to the mining sector, where we’ve commenced operations and have already supplied four mines as of 2024.

How do you foresee the demand for lubricants changing, especially in the mining sector?
The demand for lubricants, particularly in the mining sector, is promising. The government’s push to diversify away from oil and gas and increase investment in mining indicates expected growth in this sector. Moreover, I believe the need for specialised lubricants, particularly those that cater to specific machinery requirements in mining operations, will drive demand. As we begin servicing more clients in these sectors, our supply strategy will focus on aligning with the specific lubricant needs of each sector.

Who are your main suppliers today?
We source our products largely from Astron. While Astron has been a key partner, we’ve established relationships with various suppliers. Beyond Astron, we work with Vivo Energy, the official distributor for Shell in the region. We also source Mobil from distributors across the area and keep TotalEnergies and Castrol in stock for our clients.

What’s the importance of maintaining a certain stock level for your clients?
Maintaining stock levels is crucial; lubricants are akin to fuel for machinery. If clients run out of lubricant, their operations come to a standstill, which can mean substantial losses. The machinery we deal with is extremely costly, so ensuring they are regularly maintained is vital. Lubricants are more than just simple products. They involve complex chemistry and technology to meet various industrial needs.

What are some of your competitive advantages?
Specialising in certain sectors allows us to concentrate our inventory and logistics on specific lubricant requirements. For example, the marine sector requires lubricants with higher base numbers, and we tailor our products accordingly. With automotive clients, we ensure they receive appropriate lubricants. By focusing on individual sectors, we avoid overstocking and keep inventory moving efficiently. This targeted approach supports our clients’ operational needs without interruption.
To maintain our competitive edge, we have established strong relationships with various suppliers and prioritised being a one-stop shop for clients’ lubricant needs. Our philosophy revolves around responding quickly to client requests, sourcing any brand they require, whether it’s Shell, TotalEnergies or Castrol. By remaining flexible and adaptable, we can fulfil diverse demands in the market while ensuring that we provide assurance and reliability to our clients.

In what ways do you anticipate Lubex Africa expanding?
Looking ahead, we intend to deepen our involvement in both the marine and mining sectors. As we gain more clients, we’ll expand our operational capacity and potentially bring more international brands into Angola. The diversification of the Angolan economy opens up several opportunities for us, especially in emerging sectors beyond oil and gas. We aim to be at the forefront of these developments, capitalising on the growing demand for quality lubricants across all industries.

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