Erik Prince, chairman and co-founder of the new Houston-headquartered energy company Freedom First, is targeting oil and gas opportunities in African nations where security risks have traditionally deterred investment. The company, formed last year, aims to help oil and gas companies boost production and efficiency and explore new financing, blending energy expertise with Prince's background in private security.

Focus on Somalia and Libya

Freedom First's current focus is largely on Libya, where it has a Tripoli office. However, Prince also envisages helping develop an offshore oil and gas industry in Somalia, citing its "super-prospective blocks." He draws parallels between Somalia and gas-rich Mozambique, both facing Islamist insurgencies, and suggests his security experience could help resolve instability. Prince was previously involved in counter-piracy operations in Puntland, Somalia, between 2009 and 2011, helping establish the Puntland Marine Police Force (PMPF), which was credited with reducing piracy. He cites this as a model for establishing the security apparatus needed for energy development, proposing a logistics base to create jobs and provide an economic alternative to radicalism.

In Libya, the company is not seeking exploration concessions but aims to help existing operating entities become more efficient and increase production from the country's substantial hydrocarbon reserves. Libya recently launched a major licensing round, attracting interest from supermajors. Manicom also sees potential across "the entire Sahel" region.

Addressing Security and Sovereignty

Prince emphasizes that Freedom First is an energy company, not solely a security firm, but one that operates in areas avoided by larger companies due to risk. He argues that providing security through private means can be essential for enabling energy projects. Regarding Mozambique, where TotalEnergies and ExxonMobil LNG projects were halted after militant attacks, Prince claims the security situation could be resolved for a fraction of the projects' total cost by building a proper security apparatus and enhancing sovereign capability. He characterizes the current presence of Rwandan forces as a "Band-Aid."

The use of Private Military Contractors (PMCs) in such contexts is not without criticism. Organizations like the Global Initiative Against Transnational Organized Crime raise sovereignty concerns about "outsourcing public security to private actors." Transparency International US researcher Colby Goodman notes such cooperation can be beneficial if companies work within the law, are accountable to local government, and are transparent. However, risks of exploitation and fuelling conflict arise when governments lack the governance or motivation to ensure standards.

Business Model and Personnel

Freedom First's leadership includes oil and gas industry veterans. President and CEO Ryan Manicom previously worked on major projects overseas. The company's model involves working alongside national oil companies in a mentoring capacity to build efficiency and train local personnel, rather than just providing consultancy reports. Prince states the company's projects are fully funded from the places where it operates to enhance those countries' sovereignty.

Prince's Background and Controversies

Prince, a former US Navy SEAL, founded the private military firm Blackwater, which provided security in Iraq and Afghanistan. After selling it, he set up Vectus Global, which is currently contracted by the Haitian government to advise and support police operations against criminal gangs. His past work has attracted controversy, including a 2010 settlement where Blackwater (then Xe Services) paid a civil penalty for alleged export violations. In 2014, four former Blackwater guards were convicted for their roles in a 2007 Baghdad shooting that killed 14 unarmed civilians; they were later pardoned by Donald Trump. Prince told an audience that it is "a terrible thing" when innocent people are hurt in the course of such dangerous work.

Prince has recently spoken at industry forums about energy security and his