Oil and Gas Opportunities in African Countries
Africa’s oil and gas sector is a cornerstone of the continent’s energy landscape, offering significant opportunities for joint ventures, partnerships, and contractual agreements. Governments across Africa frequently announce bidding rounds, licensing opportunities, and infrastructure projects to attract international and local partners. These initiatives are driven by vast hydrocarbon reserves, increasing global demand for energy, and a push for sustainable development. A comprehensive, region-by-region breakdown of current and potential opportunities in the oil and gas sector, focusing on government-led initiatives and partnership models.
North Africa
Algeria
- Opportunities: As a leading oil and gas producer, Algeria is actively seeking foreign investment to revitalize its upstream sector. The government, through Sonatrach, promotes exploration and production-sharing contracts.
- Recent Developments: In 2024, Algeria launched a licensing round for 10 exploration blocks, targeting international oil companies (IOCs) for joint ventures. Revised hydrocarbon laws in 2020 offer attractive fiscal terms to encourage investment.energycapitalpower.com
- Partnership Models: Production-sharing agreements (PSAs) and joint ventures with Sonatrach.
- Key Projects: Expansion of the Hassi Messaoud oil field and new gas discoveries in the Berkine Basin.
- Contact: Ministry of Energy and Mines (mem-algeria.org), Sonatrach (www.sonatrach.com).
Egypt
- Opportunities: Egypt is a regional gas hub, particularly due to the Zohr gas field, and is promoting offshore and onshore exploration.
- Recent Developments: In 2025, the Egyptian Natural Gas Holding Company (EGAS) announced a bidding round for 12 offshore blocks in the Mediterranean and Red Sea, seeking IOCs for joint ventures. Egypt’s strategic LNG export capabilities attract partners.energycentral.com
- Partnership Models: PSAs, technical service agreements, and joint ventures with EGAS or the Egyptian General Petroleum Corporation (EGPC).
- Key Projects: Zohr gas field expansion, LNG export infrastructure, and gas-to-power projects.
- Contact: Ministry of Petroleum and Mineral Resources (petroleum.gov.eg).
Libya
- Opportunities: Libya is revitalizing its oil and gas sector post-conflict, focusing on exploration and redevelopment of existing fields.
- Recent Developments: In 2024, the National Oil Corporation (NOC) announced plans for a 2025 bidding round for onshore and offshore blocks, encouraging partnerships to boost production.invest-africa-energy.com
- Partnership Models: Exploration and production-sharing agreements (EPSAs) with NOC.
- Key Projects: Redevelopment of the Sirte Basin and Waha concession expansion with ConocoPhillips.
- Contact: National Oil Corporation (noc.ly).
Morocco
- Opportunities: Morocco is an emerging player in gas exploration, particularly offshore, with a focus on LNG infrastructure.
- Recent Developments: In 2024, the government announced exploration opportunities in the Atlantic Margin, seeking partners for seismic surveys and drilling.
- Partnership Models: PSAs with the National Office of Hydrocarbons and Mines (ONHYM).
- Key Projects: Tendrara gas field development and LNG import terminal projects.
- Contact: ONHYM (onhym.com).
Tunisia
- Opportunities: Tunisia is focusing on revitalizing its mature fields and exploring new offshore blocks.
- Recent Developments: In 2025, the government launched a licensing round for 5 offshore blocks, inviting IOCs for partnerships.
- Partnership Models: PSAs and joint ventures with the Tunisian Petroleum Activities Company (ETAP).
- Key Projects: Nawara gas field expansion and offshore exploration in the Gulf of Gabes.
- Contact: Ministry of Industry, Mines, and Energy (energymines.gov.tn).
West Africa
Nigeria
- Opportunities: Nigeria, Africa’s largest oil producer, is reforming its oil and gas sector to attract investment through the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) of 2021.energycapitalpower.com
- Recent Developments: In 2025, the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) launched a licensing round for 7 deepwater blocks, targeting IOCs and local firms for joint ventures. The Decade of Gas initiative promotes gas monetization.energycentral.com
- Partnership Models: PSAs, joint ventures with the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Limited, and service contracts.
- Key Projects: Bonga North field development, NLNG Train 7, and gas-to-power projects.
- Contact: NUPRC (www.nuprc.gov.ng), NNPC Limited (www.nnpcgroup.com).
Ghana
- Opportunities: Ghana is expanding its upstream and midstream sectors, with a focus on offshore oil and gas fields.
- Recent Developments: In 2024, the government announced new offshore blocks for exploration, encouraging partnerships with the Ghana National Petroleum Corporation (GNPC).energycentral.com
- Partnership Models: PSAs and joint operating agreements with GNPC.
- Key Projects: Jubilee and TEN fields expansion, and LNG infrastructure development.
- Contact: Ministry of Energy (www.energymin.gov.gh), GNPC (www.gnpcghana.com).
Senegal
- Opportunities: Senegal is a rising star in gas and oil, driven by the Sangomar oil field and Grand Tortue Ahmeyim (GTA) gas project.
- Recent Developments: In 2024, the government invited proposals for GTA Phase 2, seeking partners for LNG and infrastructure development. The 2019 Petroleum Code enhances investment appeal.energyfocus.the-eic.comenergycapitalpower.com
- Partnership Models: Joint ventures with Petrosen, service contracts, and public-private partnerships (PPPs).
- Key Projects: Sangomar field production and GTA LNG project.
- Contact: Petrosen (www.petrosen.sn).
Mauritania
- Opportunities: Mauritania is focusing on gas development, particularly through the GTA project shared with Senegal.
- Recent Developments: In 2025, the Ministry of Petroleum and Energy announced opportunities for gas exploration and infrastructure partnerships.invest-africa-energy.com
- Partnership Models: PSAs and joint ventures with the Société Mauritanienne des Hydrocarbures (SMH).
- Key Projects: GTA Phase 2 and BirAllah gas field exploration.
- Contact: Ministry of Petroleum and Energy (www.petrole.gov.mr).
Côte d’Ivoire
- Opportunities: Côte d’Ivoire is emerging as a key oil and gas player with recent discoveries like the Baleine field.
- Recent Developments: In 2024, the government opened new offshore blocks for exploration, seeking partners for joint ventures.woodmac.com
- Partnership Models: PSAs with Petroci and service contracts.
- Key Projects: Baleine field development and offshore exploration.
- Contact: Petroci (petroci.ci).
East Africa
Mozambique
- Opportunities: Mozambique’s Rovuma Basin hosts some of the world’s largest gas reserves, offering opportunities in LNG and upstream exploration.
- Recent Developments: In 2025, the National Petroleum Institute (INP) launched a sixth licensing round for 16 offshore blocks, targeting IOCs for joint ventures.energycentral.com
- Partnership Models: PSAs with INP and joint ventures with Empresa Nacional de Hidrocarbonetos (ENH).
- Key Projects: Coral South FLNG, Rovuma LNG, and Area 4 exploration.
- Contact: INP (inp.gov.mz).
Uganda
- Opportunities: Uganda’s oil sector is advancing with the East African Crude Oil Pipeline (EACOP) and major field developments.
- Recent Developments: In 2024, the government invited bids for service contracts related to EACOP and the Tilenga and Kingfisher projects, encouraging local and international partnerships.energycentral.compwc.com
- Partnership Models: Joint ventures with the Uganda National Oil Company (UNOC) and service contracts.
- Key Projects: Tilenga project, Kingfisher field, and EACOP.
- Contact: Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development (energyandminerals.go.ug).
Tanzania
- Opportunities: Tanzania’s offshore gas reserves, estimated at 57 trillion cubic feet, offer significant investment potential.energycentral.com
- Recent Developments: In 2024, under President Samia Suluhu Hassan, the government shifted to a more investor-friendly stance, announcing new exploration blocks and LNG project partnerships.energyfocus.the-eic.com
- Partnership Models: PSAs with the Tanzania Petroleum Development Corporation (TPDC).
- Key Projects: Tanzania LNG project and offshore Block 2 development.
- Contact: TPDC (tpdc.co.tz).
Kenya
- Opportunities: Kenya is focusing on offshore and onshore exploration, particularly in the Lamu and Turkana Basins.
- Recent Developments: In 2025, the government relaunched exploration licensing for offshore blocks, seeking partners for seismic surveys and drilling.mordorintelligence.com
- Partnership Models: PSAs with the National Oil Corporation of Kenya (NOCK).
- Key Projects: Exploration in Block L8 and Turkana Basin development.
- Contact: Ministry of Energy and Petroleum (energy.go.ke).
Central Africa
Angola
- Opportunities: Angola, a major oil producer, is focusing on deepwater exploration and marginal field development.
- Recent Developments: In 2025, the National Agency of Petroleum, Gas and Biofuels (ANPG) and Sonangol announced a bidding round for 10 offshore blocks, encouraging joint ventures.energycapitalpower.com
- Partnership Models: PSAs and joint ventures with Sonangol, such as the Sonadrill JV with Seadrill.energycapitalpower.com
- Key Projects: Kaombo Norte, Block 15/06 redevelopment, and Caraculo solar-oil hybrid project.
- Contact: ANPG (anpg.co.ao), Sonangol (www.sonangol.co.ao).
Equatorial Guinea
- Opportunities: Equatorial Guinea is promoting its Gas Mega Hub (GMH) initiative for gas monetization.
- Recent Developments: In 2024, the government invited proposals for LNG and gas-to-power projects under the GMH, seeking IOCs and service providers.invest-africa-energy.com
- Partnership Models: Joint ventures with GEPetrol and service contracts.
- Key Projects: Punta Europa LNG and Alba field expansion.
- Contact: Ministry of Mines and Hydrocarbons (equatorialoil.com).
Republic of Congo
- Opportunities: Congo is focusing on offshore oil and gas exploration and LNG development.
- Recent Developments: In 2024, the Ministry of Hydrocarbons announced opportunities for partnerships in offshore blocks and LNG projects.invest-africa-energy.com
- Partnership Models: PSAs and joint ventures with the Société Nationale des Pétroles du Congo (SNPC).
- Key Projects: Marine XII field and Congo LNG project.
- Contact: Ministry of Hydrocarbons (ministere-hydrocarbures.cg).
Gabon
- Opportunities: Gabon is seeking to revitalize its mature oil fields and explore new offshore blocks.
- Recent Developments: In 2025, the government announced a licensing round for 5 offshore blocks, emphasizing investor-friendly fiscal terms.invest-africa-energy.com
- Partnership Models: PSAs and joint ventures with the Gabon Oil Company (GOC).
- Key Projects: Etame Marin field redevelopment and offshore exploration.
- Contact: Ministry of Petroleum (petrole.gouv.ga).
Southern Africa
South Africa
- Opportunities: South Africa is emerging as a gas exploration hub, particularly in the Orange Basin.
- Recent Developments: In 2025, the Petroleum Agency South Africa (PASA) announced partnerships for Block 11B/12B and onshore gas exploration in Mpumalanga. The South African National Petroleum Company (SANPC) was established to oversee petroleum resources.energycapitalpower.com
- Partnership Models: PSAs, technical cooperation permits, and PPPs with PASA or SANPC.
- Key Projects: Brulpadda and Luiperd gas discoveries, and LNG import infrastructure with Sasol and Eskom.energycapitalpower.com
- Contact: PASA (petroleumagencysa.com), SANPC.
Namibia
- Opportunities: Namibia is a new frontier for oil and gas, with significant discoveries in the Orange Basin.
- Recent Developments: In 2024, the government opened bidding for additional offshore blocks, encouraging joint ventures with the National Petroleum Corporation of Namibia (NAMCOR).energyfocus.the-eic.com
- Partnership Models: PSAs and joint ventures with NAMCOR, such as partnerships with Shell and TotalEnergies.energyfocus.the-eic.com
- Key Projects: Venus and Graff discoveries, and potential FLNG projects.
- Contact: Ministry of Mines and Energy (mme.gov.na).
Sudan and South Sudan
- Opportunities: South Sudan relies on Sudan for oil export pipelines, creating opportunities for cross-border collaborations.
- Recent Developments: In 2024, South Sudan announced plans to rehabilitate oil infrastructure and explore new blocks, seeking partners for joint ventures.energycentral.com
- Partnership Models: Joint ventures with Nilepet and service contracts.
- Key Projects: Oil field rehabilitation in Unity and Upper Nile states, and pipeline modernization.
- Contact: Ministry of Petroleum, South Sudan (mop.gov.ss).
Sierra Leone
- Opportunities: Sierra Leone is exploring its offshore potential, with multibillion-barrel prospects identified.
- Recent Developments: In 2024, the government, through TGS, announced a licensing round for offshore blocks, seeking partners for exploration.african.business
- Partnership Models: PSAs with the Petroleum Directorate.
- Key Projects: Offshore exploration in the Sierra Leone Basin.
- Contact: Petroleum Directorate (pd-sl.com).
Liberia
- Opportunities: Liberia is an emerging frontier for offshore oil exploration.
- Recent Developments: In 2024, ExxonMobil applied to pre-qualify for four offshore blocks, signaling interest in direct negotiations after a canceled bidding round.african.business
- Partnership Models: PSAs with the Liberia Petroleum Regulatory Authority (LPRA).
- Key Projects: Exploration in the Liberia Basin.
- Contact: LPRA (lpra.gov.lr).
General Trends and Opportunities
- Local Content Requirements: Most African countries enforce local content policies, requiring foreign companies to partner with local firms or invest in capacity building. For example, Uganda’s National Content Laws mandate joint ventures with local companies for goods and services.pwc.com
- Gas Monetization: There is a strong focus on gas-to-power and LNG projects, with countries like Nigeria, Senegal, and Mozambique prioritizing gas infrastructure.strategyand.pwc.com
- Sustainability and Energy Transition: Governments are integrating renewable energy and decarbonization into oil and gas projects, seeking partners with expertise in carbon capture and green technologies.mckinsey.com
- Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs): PPPs are critical for infrastructure development, with examples in South Africa and Nigeria showing how collaboration enhances energy security.energypolicy.columbia.edu
- African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA): The AfCFTA is fostering regional integration, creating opportunities for cross-border energy projects and harmonized regulations.reuters.com
- Financing Challenges: Many projects require significant foreign direct investment (FDI) due to limited domestic capital. The African Energy Bank, established by Afreximbank and the African Petroleum Producers’ Organization, aims to address this gap.african.businesswoodmac.com
Recommendations for Engagement
- Engage with National Oil Companies (NOCs): Directly contact NOCs like Sonatrach, NNPC, or NAMCOR to explore joint venture opportunities and understand local requirements.
- Monitor Licensing Rounds: Stay updated on bidding rounds through government websites, industry events like Africa Oil Week (www.africa-oilweek.com), or the Invest in African Energy Forum (www.invest-africa-energy.com).invest-africa-energy.com
- Form Local Partnerships: Identify credible local firms to meet local content requirements and strengthen project bids.pwc.com
- Leverage Industry Platforms: Participate in forums like the African Energy Chamber (www.energychamber.org) for networking and project insights.energychamber.org
- Consult Experts: Engage with consultants like Wood Mackenzie, IHS Markit, or Energy Capital & Power for market entry strategies and regulatory insights.woodmac.com
- Address Sustainability: Align proposals with government priorities for decarbonization and energy transition, such as carbon capture or gas-to-power projects.mckinsey.com
Conclusion
Africa’s oil and gas sector offers a wealth of opportunities for joint ventures, partnerships, and contracts, driven by government initiatives to monetize vast hydrocarbon resources. From Algeria’s licensing rounds to Namibia’s frontier discoveries, the continent is open for business. By aligning with local regulations, forming strategic partnerships, and leveraging government-announced opportunities, companies can tap into Africa’s dynamic energy market while contributing to economic growth and energy security.
