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Nigeria makes West Africa the hub of LNG production. (Image source: Rystad Energy)

Gas

With Africa continuing to increasingly focus on natural gas production as a greener alternative to oil production, this is high time the continent steps up to have its natural gas infrastructure in place 

Energy intelligence firm, Rystad Energy, has predicted that with gas demand set to see an upsurge, the global production count of liquefied natural gas (LNG) is likely to reach 755 Mtpa in 2030 from last year's 486 Mtpa. 

The demand will also be driven by the fact that not all regions are equipped with good production capacities or pipelines access.

This, however, is not the case for Africa which hosts about 20% of the 477 Mtpa total —around 93 Mtpa— of global LNG capacity in the pipeline. These include under-construction projects, confirmed final investment decision (FID) or pre-FID. 

In fact, the testatment to Africa's significance in the global gas market lies in its attracting the highest concentration of FLNG infrastructure in the world. It currently hosts an onshore LNG production capacity of approximately 70 Mtpa, accounting for around 14% of the global total.

Nigeria leading LNG production count

While Rystad Energy has found that Nigeria leads these statistics by almost half the continent's total LNG production count, the country still struggles to reach its full potential owing to vandalism and theft-related challenges. Its annual liquefaction rates have taken a hit from an average of 90% in 2018 to 60% last year. 

With the right installations such as  floating LNG (FLNG) and smaller-scale mini-LNG projects, Nigeria's exports capacity can rise 20 million tonnes (Mt) by 2030. 

Nigeria makes West Africa the hub of LNG production, making up nearly two-thirds of the sub-Saharan Africa's output and more than one-third of the continent’s total. West Africa's LNG production count is set to reach 50% by 2030. 

"Nigeria has consistently ranked among the top LNG producers globally, despite export volumes being much smaller than those of the US, Australia and Qatar. Nigerian LNG, which is positioned outside the ongoing US tariff war, offers crucial flexibility for Asian and European buyers thanks to its strategic location and shorter transit times compared to US LNG exports. However, ongoing pipeline vandalism and oil theft continue to hinder Nigeria’s ability to fully capitalise on its resources. While we expect Nigeria's LNG exports to recover, they are unlikely to place the country among the top five global exporters in the near future," said Antonia Syn, analyst - commodities markets, Rystad Energy. 

 

 

 

Laboratory studies will be conducted on fluid samples collected during the test. (Image source: Adobe Stock)

Exploration

The Capricornus 1-X exploration well from Block 2914A that falls under petroleum exploration license (PEL85) in the Orange Basin, offshore Namibia has revealed good petrophysical properties 

The drilling for which the Noble Venturer drillship was used revealed no water contact as hydrocarbon samples and sidewell cores were collected through intensive wireline logging operations. 

Besides 38m of net pay, the well also put to a production test across the light oil-bearing reservoir. The well achieved a surface-constrained flow rate in excess of 11,000 stb/d on a 40/64” choke. The light ~37° API oil exhibited limited associated gas with less than 2% CO2 and no hydrogen sulphide.

Laboratory studies will be conducted on fluid samples collected during the test.

Azule Energy holds a 42.5% stake in the block, alongside co-venturers Rhino Resources (Operator, 42.5%), NAMCOR (10%), and Korres Investments (5%).

The well will now be temporarily plugged and abandoned, and the rig will be released.

Adriano Mongini, Chief Executive Officer of Azule Energy, said, “A successful exploration outcome such as this represents another significant step in Azule Energy’s exploration strategy. It underscores our commitment to unlocking the region’s energy potential while delivering value for all stakeholders. This achievement aligns with other key milestones, including the completion of the Agogo Integrated West Hub development and the landmark New Gas Consortium – Angola’s first nonassociated gas project.”

The partners are now focusing on a comprehensive analysis of the well results. (Image source: Adobe Stock)

Exploration

The Marula-1X drilling operation on Block 2913B (PEL 56) offshore Namibia has been drilled to a total depth of 6,460 m (measured depth)

While the Albian aged sandstones within the Marula fan complex was targetted during the drilling campaign, there were no hydrocarbons found, eliminating the need for a drill stem test. 

This, however, is the same block that housed the site confirming the Venus light oil discovery. The drilling took place approximately 47 km south of the Venus-1X well for which the Deepsea Mira semi-submersible drilling rig was deployed. 

Exploring geological plays

The partners are now focusing on a comprehensive analysis of the well results.

Impact has a 9.5% interest in Blocks 2912 and 2913B in Namibia’s Orange Basin. Africa Oil through its 39.5% interest in Impact, has an effective interest of approximately 3.8% in these blocks. 

Africa Oil President and CEO, Roger Tucker, said, "The farm down agreement between Impact and TotalEnergies that completed last year, provides full carry of Impact’s exploration and development costs on Blocks 2912 and 2913B through to first commercial production from these blocks. This presents us with an attractive opportunity set to test different geological plays on these blocks at no upfront cost."

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D&A AUS 2025

Victoria Oil & Gas (VOG) has announced the completion of the second phase of construction on a gas pipeline to central Douala, Cameroon

VOC, who commissioned and constructed the 13.2km pipeline, said the installation would provide the exploration and production company with access to more than 20 large industrial energy consumers in the area.

It said that it expected gas deliveries to customers from Logbaba to start later this month with first revenues expected in July 2012. The firm added that it anticipated sales of 1 million standard cubic feet per day (mmscf/d) from July 2012, which it said it expected to increase to 8 mmscf/d by the end of 2012.

“This is predicated on continuous production operations commencing in June 2012 when it is anticipated that three customers will have been certified as ready to take delivery of gas, including one large 24-hour bottle wash plant operation,” said a statement issued by VOC.

“A further five customers are at an advanced stage of completing their conversion requirements.”

The firm also announced the completion of an equity placing of US$4.9 million, an additional drawdown of $1.2 million of loan finance and the renewal of an existing Standby Equity Distribution Agreement (‘SEDA’).

VOG chairman Kevin Foo said, “The additional drawdown under the loan, the placing and the standby SEDA facility provides the company with greater financial flexibility ahead of becoming a cashflow positive company.

“In addition, we are currently in discussions with several parties in relation to a potential large debt facility to secure long-term funding for the Logbaba production operation,” he added.

It is understood that the company will used the funds raised through the placing and loan as a bridge to positive cashflow and the long-term debt funding of production operations in Cameroon.

Top Stories

Grid List

Exploration

The MOPU will be equipped with a purpose-built process package. (Image source: Adobe Stock)

Exploration

To advance field development work in Benin, Akrake Petroleum Benin SA has signed contracts for a mobile production unit (MOPU) and an Aframax tanker that will serve as floating storage and offloading (FSO) unit

Having converted from a medium-sized drilling rig, the MOPU will be equipped with a purpose-built process package. The units are expected to arrive in Benin during the fourth quarter of 2025.

Lime Petroleum Holding AS, which owns Akrare, signed a contract for a modern built jack-up rig as the operator of the Seme Field in Benin. The rig will be used for an anticipated 120-day drilling campaign in Benin.
Akrake, which is also the indirect subsidiary of Rex International, holds an approximately 76% working interest in the Seme Field, and aims to submit a field development plan to the Ministry of Energy, Water and Mines so that production in the fieldcan be initiated in the second half of 2025. 

Read more: 

TGS expands 3D seismic coverage in Benin 

Rex to seek financial advise from Hannam & Partners on Benin block

Masangane has more than 15 years of experience in the energy sector. (Image source: Adobe Stock)

Laboratory studies will be conducted on fluid samples collected during the test. (Image source: Adobe Stock)

Geology & Geophysics

Map showing Angola's Block 16 with additional TGS data (Image Source: TGS)

Geology & Geophysics

Norwegian seismic firm TGS has completed reprocessing work on data that it hopes will spur renewed interest in Angola’s forgotten deepwater Block 16

The company has announced that it had finished work on the Block 16 GeoStreamer MC3D seismic dataset in the Lower Congo Basin, in partnership with Agência Nacional de Petróleo, Gás e Biocombustíveis (ANPG).

Exploration in the deepwater Lower Congo Basin has experienced a resurgence in recent years, TGS reported, with numerous significant discoveries being made and rapidly brought on stream.

"This 3,684-sq-km rejuvenation project utilises modern depth processing workflows to deliver enhanced imaging beyond the original data, enabling detailed evaluation of deeper target plays in both post-salt and pre-salt sections,” it said in a statement.

Angola’s Block 16 has remained largely under explored since the early 2010s, however, with the most recent exploration well drilled in 2013. Until recently, publicly-known oil and gas discoveries within Block 16, in the latest dataset, were limited to the Bengo (1994) and Longa (1995) Upper Miocene finds in the northern section.

However, TGS said that a recent re-evaluation of wells in the Lower Congo Basin has identified oil recovery from Upper Miocene reservoirs in the southern part of the survey area. The survey also provides partial coverage of the field, a marginal field development opportunity currently being marketed by ANPG.

Discovered in 2003, Tchihumba contains hydrocarbon-bearing zones within Upper Miocene, Lower Miocene and Oligocene sands, with recoverable volumes estimated at approximately 136mn barrels.

Additionally, the Lumpembe-1 oil discovery on Block 15/06, drilled in 2023 and currently undergoing development studies, falls within the survey’s coverage.

“TGS is very pleased to continue our support of exploration in this region with our high-quality seismic data,” said David Hajovsky, executive vice president multi-client, TGS. “These accumulations, along with the proximity of significant neighbouring discoveries, present strong opportunities for future exploration success.”

Other West African projects TGS has completed recently include an enhancement of its Fusion 3D seismic dataset offshore Sierra Leone, focusing on the Vega prospect.

Recent discoveries in South America have intensified interest in this region, TGS stated late last year, positioning Sierra Leone as a promising new exploration frontier.

“With growing interest from international oil companies and independents, the Fusion 3D data comes at a crucial time.”

TGS also signed an agreement last year to enhance datasets in Mauritania with the Ministère du Pétrole, des Mines et de l’Énergie, strengthening its position as the sole provider of multi-client subsurface data in the country.

Read more offshore Angola news here:

Red Sky Energy signs risk service contract on Angola Block 6-24

Cabgoc's Sanha project achieves first gas offshore Angola

Sequa Petroleum to acquire interests in multiple blocks in Angola

 

 

The Seismic License provides Woodside ongoing rights to the PEL 87 3D seismic data. (Image source; Adobe Stock)

PetroVision will facilitate operations within Nigeria using DUG Insight software. (Image source: Adobe Stock)

Technology

The model addresses high-end seismic applications for today's energy and mineral E&P market. (Image source; Sercel)

Technology

Subsurface technology provider, Sercel's WiNG land seismic nodal solution now has a new three component version with the launch of the WiNG DFU-3C

Addressing the high-end seismic applications for today's energy and mineral E&P market, the integrated three-component node acquires the most comprehensive and high-definition data for outstanding imaging, characterisation and monitoring of the subsurface. As part of the WiNG range, it comes complete with unique advanced features as standard, such as the ultra-sensitive QuietSeis broadband digital sensor and Pathfinder transmission management technology. Combined with its market-leading compact and lightweight design, the DFU-3C offers unprecedented precision, efficiency and portability.

Jerome Denigot, CEO, Sercel said, "The WiNG DFU-3C is an excellent example of Sercel’s commitment to providing innovative and high-performance solutions to our customers. Building on the success of our widely used WiNG single-component node, this three-component version brings greater survey accuracy and flexibility. Its vector fidelity, sensor stability and low-frequency capabilities make the WiNG DFU-3C ideal for the most demanding E&P subsurface challenges, meeting the needs of our customers in both the energy and mining markets."

Nigeria witnessing increased intervention operations. (Image source: Adobe Stock)

The service will address the growing demand for industrial energy efficiency. (Image source: Sulzer)

Gas

Nigeria makes West Africa the hub of LNG production. (Image source: Rystad Energy)

Gas

With Africa continuing to increasingly focus on natural gas production as a greener alternative to oil production, this is high time the continent steps up to have its natural gas infrastructure in place 

Energy intelligence firm, Rystad Energy, has predicted that with gas demand set to see an upsurge, the global production count of liquefied natural gas (LNG) is likely to reach 755 Mtpa in 2030 from last year's 486 Mtpa. 

The demand will also be driven by the fact that not all regions are equipped with good production capacities or pipelines access.

This, however, is not the case for Africa which hosts about 20% of the 477 Mtpa total —around 93 Mtpa— of global LNG capacity in the pipeline. These include under-construction projects, confirmed final investment decision (FID) or pre-FID. 

In fact, the testatment to Africa's significance in the global gas market lies in its attracting the highest concentration of FLNG infrastructure in the world. It currently hosts an onshore LNG production capacity of approximately 70 Mtpa, accounting for around 14% of the global total.

Nigeria leading LNG production count

While Rystad Energy has found that Nigeria leads these statistics by almost half the continent's total LNG production count, the country still struggles to reach its full potential owing to vandalism and theft-related challenges. Its annual liquefaction rates have taken a hit from an average of 90% in 2018 to 60% last year. 

With the right installations such as  floating LNG (FLNG) and smaller-scale mini-LNG projects, Nigeria's exports capacity can rise 20 million tonnes (Mt) by 2030. 

Nigeria makes West Africa the hub of LNG production, making up nearly two-thirds of the sub-Saharan Africa's output and more than one-third of the continent’s total. West Africa's LNG production count is set to reach 50% by 2030. 

"Nigeria has consistently ranked among the top LNG producers globally, despite export volumes being much smaller than those of the US, Australia and Qatar. Nigerian LNG, which is positioned outside the ongoing US tariff war, offers crucial flexibility for Asian and European buyers thanks to its strategic location and shorter transit times compared to US LNG exports. However, ongoing pipeline vandalism and oil theft continue to hinder Nigeria’s ability to fully capitalise on its resources. While we expect Nigeria's LNG exports to recover, they are unlikely to place the country among the top five global exporters in the near future," said Antonia Syn, analyst - commodities markets, Rystad Energy. 

 

 

 

Exports begin from GTA Phase 1. (Image source: bp)

The study will include environmental and social evaluation. (Image source: Adobe Stock)

Downstream

Afreximbank wants to boost regional processing capacity. (Image source: Adobe Stock)

Downstream

African Export-Import Bank has released a US$3bn revolving credit line to simplify the sourcing of petrol, diesel, jet fuel and other products from African refineries

Besides providing a safeguard against current geoplitical tensions and tariff uncertainties, the move will expectedly bring some relief for the African and Caribbean buyers as it takes the pressure off of nearly a US$30bn fuel import bill that the region has to bear annually. 

The bank believes that the aid might give the facility the much needed push to generate around US$10-14bn of trade finance over the initial three years. 

This comes as part of the Revolving Intra-African Oil Import Financing Programme.

Key refining hub

In a bid to boost regional processing capacity, Afreximbank has also been the largest financier of Nigeria’s 650,000-barrel-per-day Dangote refinery. It has contributed to the revamping of Nigeria's Port Harcourt oil complex as well. Also arranging funding for plants in Angola and Ivory Coast, Afreximbank's support could add around 1.3  mn  bpd of refining capacity.

"The programme will galvanise efforts towards making the Gulf of Guinea a key refining hub," Afreximbank President Benedict Oramah said in a statement on Monday.

According to Reuters, Afreximbank will also be a controlling shareholder of Atmin, a new trading house set up by former Shell oil traders to focus on African oil trading. 

Recently, Iran has expressed keenness in exporting petrochemicals to AfricaIran has expressed keenness in exporting petrochemicals to Africa with an aim to strengthen strategic partnership between the two countries given the current shifts in global power dynamics.

Iran is ready to export petrochemicals to Africa. (Image source; Adobe Stock)

Godwin Kudzo Tameklo, CEO of NPA. (Image source: African Energy Chamber)

Event News

The event will delve into regional success stories. (Image source: EAECS)

Event News

The East Africa Energy Cooperation Summit (EA-ECS), taking place 29-30 January in Arusha, Tanzania, will be uniting the region's energy independent poiwer producers (IPPs) and engineering, procurement, construction and financing contract (EPCF) stakeholders to discuss the region's investment potential and innovations taking place in the industry

The event will delve into the success stories, including the Ethiopia-Kenya electricity highway, highlighting the role of cross-border collaboration for economic and social development.

Led by Ministers from across the EAC and large-scale energy users, over two days, the Arusha Summit will deep dive into opportunities for the private sector, advocating for a diversified energy mix to maintain grid stability to support major industrial growth, as well as C&I generation.

“Energy is a pillar for development and growth and is crucial for the functioning of the economies of the EAC Partner States. The East Africa Energy Cooperation Summit will serve as the ideal platform for advancing projects and bringing tangible changes in the industry,” said Andrea Malueth, deputy secretary general (Infrastructure, Productive, Social & Political Sectors), East African Community Secretariat.

“Ten years from now, the EAC’s middle classes will have more job stability, more opportunities, and more disposable income than ever before. New railways, industries, ports, and tourism will position the region as the number one investment destination globally, taking the title back from both parts of Asia and Latin America,” said Elisa Palmioli, producer, EnergyNet, which is organising the event. 

Libya is the next investment destination. (Image source: African Energy Chamber)

ADSW Summit 2025 to accelerate global sustainable development. (Image source: ADSW)

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The project could reduce the fleet’s GHG emissions by up to 10%. (Image source: Opsealog)

Bourbon will utilise its data management system for end-to-end execution. (Image source: Adobe Stock)

The well was spudded last November. (Image source: Adobe Stock)

The locations will employ locals and are expected to grow Namibia’s energy sector. (Image source: Halliburton)

PetroVision will facilitate operations within Nigeria using DUG Insight software. (Image source: Adobe Stock)

Contracts with multiple scopes accounted for 9%. (Image source: GlobalData)

Soudotec will initiate an inventory programme. (Image source: Svanehoj)

There is a potential for an uptick in E&A drilling activity. (Image source: Westwood)

The two-month survey will be conducted early 2025. (Image source: Adobe Stock)

ANPG is inviting companies to participate in the upcoming licensing round. (Image source: Adobe Stock)

The Olo and Olo West Fields were formerly part of OML 58. (Image source: Adobe Stock)

Umar Ajiya, chief financial officer, NNPC. (Image source: NNPC)

Sanha Lean Gas Connection is a project by Cabinda Gulf Oil Company Limited. (Image source: Chevron)

Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria will acquire diesel at US$0.96 per l. (Image source: Adobe Stock)

The project will be implemented in two phases. (Image source: AFC)

The newly formed consortium has signed a framework agreement (FWA) with the Egyptian government during the Egypt-EU Investment Conference. (Image source: bp)

Helium and hydrogen presence higher after re-drilling. (Image source: Adobe Stock)

The onshore-focused NAOC is also involved in Nigeria's power generation industry. (Image source: Adobe Stock)

63 wells in Tilenga and 9 in Kingfisher have been drilled. (Image source: Adobe Stock)

Latest news

The MOPU will be equipped with a purpose-built process package. (Image source: Adobe Stock)

Masangane has more than 15 years of experience in the energy sector. (Image source: Adobe Stock)

Afreximbank wants to boost regional processing capacity. (Image source: Adobe Stock)

Iran is ready to export petrochemicals to Africa. (Image source; Adobe Stock)

Nigeria makes West Africa the hub of LNG production. (Image source: Rystad Energy)

Laboratory studies will be conducted on fluid samples collected during the test. (Image source: Adobe Stock)

The partners are now focusing on a comprehensive analysis of the well results. (Image source: Adobe Stock)

Scatec is targetting to reach financial close over the next 12 months. (Image source: Scatec ASA)

The report provides expert insights to help oil and gas professionals navigate digital transformation with confidence. (Image source: DataPARC)

Bourdon is located approximately 15 kilometres west of FPSO BW Adolo. (Image source: BW Energy)

Exports begin from GTA Phase 1. (Image source: bp)

Prospect I is located onshore Namibia in PEL73. (Image source: ReconAf)

The model addresses high-end seismic applications for today's energy and mineral E&P market. (Image source; Sercel)

The supplies will be worth US$250mn. (Image source: Adobe Stock)

Godwin Kudzo Tameklo, CEO of NPA. (Image source: African Energy Chamber)

Nigeria witnessing increased intervention operations. (Image source: Adobe Stock)

The contract services will commence in 2026. (Image source: Adobe Stock)

The refinery will have a capacity of 60000bopd. (Image source: Adobe Stock)

George Morrison, CEO at Aquaterra Energy. (Image source: Aquaterra Energy)

The service will address the growing demand for industrial energy efficiency. (Image source: Sulzer)

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