While hydrocarbons remain the foundation of U.S.-MENA energy relations, investment priorities are increasingly extending across the full energy value chain – from resource development and infrastructure expansion to artificial intelligence, critical minerals and new energy technologies. The Forum will highlight how U.S. expertise, capital and innovation are supporting projects across Libya and the wider region.

In Libya, international partnerships are supporting efforts to increase production, expand gas capacity and modernize decades-old infrastructure. Chevron is working with Libya’s NOC to evaluate unconventional oil and gas potential across the Sirte, Murzuq and Ghadames basins, while ExxonMobil is conducting offshore technical studies in the Gulf of Sirte to assess future exploration opportunities.

Technology deployment is also becoming a key driver of Libya’s energy revival. Across producing fields, Halliburton and SLB are introducing digital solutions, AI applications and advanced production technologies designed to improve reservoir management, optimize mature assets and extend field life.

At the infrastructure level, Hill International is overseeing project management for Mellitah Oil & Gas’ $8 billion Structures A&E offshore gas project, which includes offshore platforms, subsea infrastructure and processing facilities designed to expand Libya’s gas production capacity.

Beyond commercial activity, U.S.-Libya engagement is broadening into strategic areas including infrastructure connectivity, energy cooperation and critical minerals. The U.S. Department of Energy has held discussions with Libyan officials on strategic energy projects, while cooperation with the U.S. Geological Survey is supporting assessments of Libya’s mineral and rare earth potential.

Across the wider MENA region, similar investment trends are creating new opportunities for U.S. companies. Through the U.S. Trade and Development Agency’s Global Gas Initiative, American firms are supporting projects including operational improvements at Egypt’s Zohr gas field, Jordan’s Sheikh Sabah LNG Terminal and Morocco’s Nador West Med gas infrastructure.

In the Gulf, large-scale energy investments are creating new opportunities for U.S. technology providers, engineering firms and project partners. ADNOC’s $150 billion investment strategy to expand production capacity, Saudi Arabia’s downstream investments through the Motiva Refinery in Texas and emerging projects such as the NEOM Green Hydrogen Complex demonstrate the scale of commercial ties connecting U.S. expertise with regional energy ambitions. As MENA countries invest across conventional energy, hydrogen and digital technologies, demand for advanced solutions and international partnerships continues to grow.

The U.S.-MENA Strategic Forum will provide a platform for stakeholders to discuss these opportunities and strengthen commercial partnerships across the region. Sessions including “Re-Accelerating Libya’s Upstream: Investment, Technology and Field Redevelopment” and “Building a New Era of U.S.-MENA Strategic Energy Cooperation” will examine the projects, technologies and investment strategies shaping the future of energy collaboration.

By bringing together government leaders, investors and industry players from across the United States, Libya and the wider MENA region, LEES 2027 will position Tripoli as a meeting point for the next generation of energy partnerships.