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African Energy Chamber (AEC) Urges Ivory Coast to Continue Being a Home of Oil & Gas (O&G) Investment

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Ivory Coast is emerging as a key oil and gas player in West Africa, with major projects like Baleine and strong partnerships driving growth and boosting production capacity

JOHANNESBURG, South Africa, December 2, 2024/APO Group/ — 

Ivory Coast is emerging as a powerhouse in West Africa’s oil and gas industry, driven by a solid regulatory framework, attractive fiscal terms and innovative partnerships. Home to significant hydrocarbon reserves and progressive policies, the country has drawn investments from leading energy companies, cementing its status as a regional hub for energy production and exploration. The African Energy Chamber (AEC) (www.EnergyChamber.org) applauds Ivory Coast’s efforts in creating an environment where oil companies can thrive.  

This week, the AEC is participating at the SIREXE 2024 conference in Abidjan. Led by Executive Chairman NJ Ayuk, the chamber engaged with global service companies such as Halliburton, Africa Global Logistics, Sahara Group and SLB, encouraging them to prioritize expansion and innovation. The AEC is committed to supporting Ivory Coast’s initiatives to reduce energy poverty, promote local content, and foster economic development. As the country continues to expand its role in the regional oil and gas sector, the AEC emphasizes the importance of ensuring that the energy transition includes oil. It is essential that industry stakeholders advocate for a just transition that recognizes the ongoing importance of oil in Africa’s energy future while transitioning to more sustainable energy sources. 

Ivory Coast’s strong policies have laid the foundation for oil companies to drive large-scale projects. Notably, the Baleine field, spearheaded by Eni and the nation’s national oil company Petroci, is a prime example of what is possible when innovation meets efficient governance. The field currently produces over 22,000 barrels per day (bpd) and is set to scale significantly. As Africa’s first net-zero (Scope 1 and 2) hydrocarbon project, the project is advancing with the arrival of critical infrastructure – the Petrojarl Kong FPSO and Yamoussoukro FSO – set to boost production to 60,000 bpd and add 70 million cubic feet of gas by the end of 2024. The project features the continent’s first-ever net-zero FPSO. This sustainable approach is what the continent needs. Companies such as Eni are using low-carbon solutions to not only operate but prioritize decarbonization. This is what sets them apart. Petroci’s partnership in this project underscores its pivotal role in driving Ivory Coast’s energy ambitions. 

Ivory Coast is not just a key player in West Africa’s energy sector; it is a model for what the future of African oil and gas development should look like

In addition to the Baleine field, Eni made a significant discovery in March 2024 in Block C1-205 – known as the Calao find – which is estimated to hold up to 1.5 billion barrels of oil. This discovery is expected to generate substantial revenues and create over 8,000 jobs. Ivory Coast plans to begin exploiting the Calao field by 2026, strengthening the country’s energy security and economic growth.  

Amid project advancements, Ivory Coast is also strengthening its local content policies. The government has recently approved in principle the National Upstream Local Content Policy, which seeks to reduce dependency on foreign expertise by building domestic capacity. The policy is currently undergoing consultations across all regions, reflecting the country’s commitment to fostering economic sovereignty and strengthening its energy sector. As the voice of the African energy sector, the AEC commends the efforts by the government to advance local content policy, emphasizing the need for oil operators to increase local hiring, training and contracting.  

The country is also strengthening its position through international partnerships. In August 2024, Ivory Coast’s Ministry of Mines, Petroleum and Energy signed production sharing agreements (PSAs) with Eni for four offshore blocks, promising an $80 million investment in exploration over three years. Similarly, onshore exploration has seen a boost with PSAs signed between the Ministry and Elephant Oil for three blocks, further diversifying Ivory Coast’s energy portfolio and unlocking onshore hydrocarbon potential. 

Exploration campaigns have revealed substantial deposits across the country and key international partnerships continue to advance Ivory Coast’s oil and gas sector. In March 2024, Vaalco Energy acquired a 27.39% stake in the Baobab field through its purchase of Svenska Petroleum Exploration, valued at $66.5 million. The Baobab field, located offshore Ivory Coast, is expected to add substantial capacity to Vaalco’s operations. Similarly, in November 2023, Ice Oil & Gas signed a PSA with Petroci for offshore block CI-705, furthering exploration in the Grand Lahou area with a commitment to invest $40 million in the next seven years. Further strengthening its energy footprint, Murphy Oil signed production-sharing contracts for five blocks in Ivory Coast in June 2023, spanning both shallow and deepwater areas. The company’s activities include developing the Paon deep-water gas and light oil field in block CI-103 and evaluating potential from previous drilling in blocks CI-531 and CI-709. 

Ivory Coast’s efforts to position itself as a regional oil and gas hub extend beyond production. The Ministry has identified 26 blocks available for leasing and is accelerating certification of reserves in existing blocks. Downstream opportunities also abound, with Petroci spearheading projects in refining and petrochemicals. Notably, Société Ivoirienne de Raffinage (SIR), Ivory Coast’s national refining company, is playing a central role in meeting the country’s growing energy demands, underlining the importance of downstream development in supporting long-term energy stability and economic growth. 

“Ivory Coast is not just a key player in West Africa’s energy sector; it is a model for what the future of African oil and gas development should look like. With its progressive policies, commitment to local content and willingness to embrace innovation, Ivory Coast is positioning itself as a beacon of sustainable and inclusive growth,” said Ayuk. “It is crucial to continue building on these partnerships, invest in infrastructure and ensure that growth benefits the country and the broader African continent.” 

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Energy Chamber.

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Liberia to Preview Next Oil & Gas Licensing Round Strategy at Houston Investor Day

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The Liberia Petroleum Regulatory Authority will host operators, investors and partners in Houston on August 19 to preview future licensing opportunities and showcase the exploration potential of its offshore basins

HOUSTON, United States of America, August 7, 2026/APO Group/ –The Liberia Petroleum Regulatory Authority (LPRA) will present its strategy for the country’s next offshore licensing round at Liberia Investor Day Houston on August 19, bringing together international exploration companies, investors, service providers and energy leaders to discuss the next phase of Liberia’s upstream development.

Hosted in partnership with Energy Capital & Power, the event will provide a platform for the LPRA, led by Director General Hon. Marilyn T. Logan, to outline Liberia’s regulatory framework, investment priorities and plans to attract new participation across the country’s offshore sector. Discussions will focus on upcoming licensing opportunities, exploration prospects and the subsurface data supporting future investment decisions.

Liberia’s offshore sector is entering a new phase of exploration activity, with renewed international participation and a growing pipeline of opportunities. Following the award and ratification of eight Production Sharing Contracts in 2025, Liberia has re-established itself as a frontier exploration destination, with international operators advancing work programs designed to further evaluate the country’s petroleum potential. TotalEnergies is progressing exploration activities that include offshore geochemical surveys, 3D seismic acquisition and seabed mapping, while Oranto Petroleum has also signed contracts to explore Liberia’s offshore.

At the Liberia Investor Day Houston, the LPRA will provide industry stakeholders with insight into the priorities shaping the next licensing round, including the anticipated process, qualification requirements, available acreage and access to technical data. The engagement will give prospective investors a clearer view of Liberia’s exploration landscape and the opportunities emerging across its offshore basins.

The event will also facilitate direct dialogue between LPRA and the global upstream community, connecting companies with policymakers and industry stakeholders involved in shaping Liberia’s next chapter of petroleum development.

As exploration companies continue to seek new frontier opportunities, Liberia Investor Day Houston will highlight the role of regulatory certainty, data availability and strategic partnerships in unlocking long-term investment across Liberia’s offshore sector.

Registration is now open for attendees. Companies interested in Liberia’s emerging offshore opportunities are invited to join LPRA, investors and upstream leaders in Houston for insights into the country’s licensing strategy and exploration outlook. For more information contact info@energycapitalpower.com.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Energy Capital & Power.

 

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Beyond Stabroek: Guyana’s Offshore Basin Attracts New Wave of Exploration Investment

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As ExxonMobil advances appraisal activity in Stabroek and new operators target frontier acreage, Guyana is attracting global capital and building a diversified offshore portfolio designed to sustain long-term growth

GEORGETOWN, Guyana, August 7, 2026/APO Group/ –Guyana’s transformation into one of the world’s fastest-growing oil producers is entering a new phase, with a growing network of IOCs expanding exploration activity across the country’s offshore basin. Beyond the landmark discoveries that first put Guyana on the global energy map, new drilling campaigns and licensing partnerships are creating a broader exploration ecosystem designed to support long-term production growth.

At the center of this momentum is ExxonMobil’s continued exploration and appraisal activity in the prolific Stabroek Block. The company has submitted a proposal for a 35-well exploration and appraisal drilling campaign, expected to run from 2028 through 2033, pending regulatory approval. The program would build on more than 30 commercial discoveries already made in the block, with drilling activity focused on evaluating new prospects and appraising existing discoveries to support future development opportunities.

Exploration activity is also extending into Guyana’s frontier acreage, with ExxonMobil advancing drilling operations at the deepwater Canje Block. The company has deployed the Noble Stena Carron drillship for exploration activity, highlighting continued industry interest in evaluating Guyana’s underexplored offshore potential beyond the established Stabroek Block.

Guyana’s strong exploration outlook comes as the country’s economy continues to benefit from rapid oil sector expansion, with hydrocarbons expected to remain a key driver of exports, government revenues and economic growth. As production scales up, attracting additional investment across exploration, services and infrastructure will be critical to supporting the next phase of development.

That momentum is being reinforced through partnerships established under Guyana’s 2023 offshore licensing round. A consortium comprising TotalEnergies, QatarEnergy and Petronas is advancing exploration activities in Block S4 under a five-year production sharing agreement signed with the government in late 2025. The award represents one of the first major outcomes of the licensing round and demonstrates continued international confidence in Guyana’s offshore resource potential.

Beyond the largest operators, a diverse group of companies is also expanding activity across Guyana’s offshore basin. Eco Atlantic is advancing exploration at the Orinduik Block; CGX Energy and Frontera Energy are progressing work in the Corentyne Block; Occidental is evaluating opportunities in the Roraima Block; while Ratio Guyana and Cataleya Energy hold interests in the Kaieteur Block. Together, these partnerships are broadening Guyana’s exploration landscape, increasing competition for acreage and creating opportunities for future discoveries.

As Guyana transitions from an emerging producer to a global energy hub, the next challenge will be converting exploration success into sustainable investment, local value creation and regional growth. These opportunities will be explored at Caribbean Energy Week 2027, held under the theme “Unlocking the Caribbean Energy Corridor: Oil, Gas, LNG & Investment for a New Global Hub.” Bringing together governments, IOCs, investors and technology providers, the event will examine how Guyana’s expanding partnerships can accelerate offshore development, strengthen regional energy cooperation and attract the capital needed to support the Caribbean’s evolving energy landscape.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Energy Capital & Power.

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Energy Capital & Power Establishes London Entity, Expanding Global Platform for Energy and Mining Events

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The move strengthens ECP’s presence in the UK and Europe, and its ability to connect African and South American markets with global investors

LONDON, United Kingdom, August 6, 2026/APO Group/ –International events company Energy Capital & Power (ECP) (www.EnergyCapitalPower.com) has officially established its UK entity in London, marking a milestone in the company’s growth strategy and reinforcing its ability to deliver world-class energy and mining events and campaigns in the UK and Europe.

By establishing a presence in a key hub like London – the pre-eminent energy and mining finance center – ECP actively shapes the global energy conversation. The expansion positions ECP to better serve clients, partners and investors seeking to develop business opportunities between Africa, Europe, the Americas and energy markets worldwide.

Opening our UK company brings ECP closer to key investors in the global energy finance capital

The milestone comes as ECP strengthens its reach through a series of investment platforms that connect global capital to energy and mining projects. These include the Venezuela Energy Week London Showcase on July 30 – with over 300 delegates registered – and the annual Invest in African Energy Forum, held in Paris as the premier event connecting global investors to Africa’s energy transformation.

ECP hosts high level summits and investor conferences in leading energy and minerals producing countries in Africa and South America, including: Venezuela Energy Week; Angola Oil & Gas; MSGBC Oil, Gas & Power; African Mining Week; Libya Energy & Economic Summit; Congo Energy & Investment Forum; South Sudan Oil & Power; and Caribbean Energy Week. The company has hosted investor forums and supported licensing round roadshows in Houston, London and Paris since 2016.

“Opening our UK company brings ECP closer to key investors in the global energy finance capital,” states CEO James Chester. “Having a permanent presence in London further cements our footprint in Europe, enabling us to fulfil our mission to bring minerals and energy investment to diverse global markets.”

With teams located across Africa, Europe and the Americas, ECP has long-facilitated strategic engagement, market intelligence and industry convening, uniting investors with leading energy and mining projects.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Energy Capital & Power.

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