Renewed drilling activity in Texas is highlighting growing confidence in the global upstream oil and gas sector, a trend that could have positive implications for exploration and production investment across Africa and the Middle East as energy demand continues to strengthen.
According to the latest data from Baker Hughes, the number of active oil-directed drilling rigs in the United States increased by 10 during the past week to reach 425, with all of the additional rigs deployed in Texas. The increase represents the largest weekly rise in more than four years and reflects renewed confidence among upstream operators as market conditions improve.
Texas Railroad Commissioner Wayne Christian said stronger energy demand is encouraging producers to increase drilling activity and expand production, supporting employment, economic growth and energy security.
Recent employment data released by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics also shows continued growth in the upstream workforce. The Texas Independent Producers and Royalty Owners Association (TIPRO) reported that upstream oil and natural gas employment increased by 400 jobs in April 2026, following an additional 1,800 jobs created in March.
The expansion in drilling activity has also translated into significant government revenues. Between January and April 2026, Texas generated more than US$1.7 billion in oil production taxes and a further US$773 million from natural gas production taxes, supporting investment in public infrastructure, education and transportation.
For oil and gas producers in Africa and the Middle East, the renewed activity in one of the world’s largest upstream markets reflects improving industry sentiment as operators respond to growing global energy demand. Higher drilling activity in mature markets often supports increased investment in drilling technologies, well services, digital oilfield solutions and production optimisation—developments that are equally relevant to emerging exploration regions such as Namibia, Angola, Mozambique and offshore West Africa.
As countries across Africa and the Middle East continue advancing exploration campaigns and major field developments, improving global upstream investment conditions could provide additional momentum for new drilling programmes and long-term production growth.
