E&P - Oil Review Africa

Exploration

Oil and gas remain central to Uganda’s energy security

The Minister of Energy and Mineral Development, Ruth Nankabirwa Ssentamu.

As Uganda prepares for oil production early next year, the country has in place an integrated system that goes beyond the oil and gas value chain to also include the citizens of the country at large

The Ugandan administration has made oil and gas the centre of its operations, fostering partnerships on advancing public awareness regarding the sector. It is initiating ways to break down complex and ultra-technical concepts of the hydrocarbons industry for the better understanding of the general public. This also includes simplifying conversations around 'local content' or 'first oil' so that everyone can identify with the industry and be active drivers of it.

As mega projects such as Tilenga and Kingfisher keep rolling, banks are especially focusing on the oil and gas industry, empowering local firms to pursue large contracts. They are initiating capacity-building partnerships, working capital solutions, asset finance and trade guarantees.

Uganda's Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development has been the instrumental force behind such advancements. The Minister of Energy and Mineral Development, Ruth Nankabirwa Ssentamu, spoke to Oil Review Africa on Uganda's ambitions of becoming a significant energy producer in Africa's energy landscape:

How does Uganda plan to leverage the global oil market, given its current volatility?

Uganda is mainly focusing on long-term contracts, regional market integration, and value addition through refining and petrochemicals. We are building resilience by maintaining fiscal discipline, encouraging local processing, and adopting clean, low-cost production to stay competitive even in volatile markets.

What are the primary driving factors behind Uganda's integrated oil and gas approach, and how is the country's administration managing such a vast concept?

Integration maximises value across the petroleum value chain -- exploration, production, refining and export, while promoting industrialisation and job creation. Clear institutional roles of the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development, Petroleum Authority of Uganda and Uganda National Oil Company, and coordinated project oversight will ensure efficiency, transparency, and timely delivery.

As Uganda rapidly adapts to a diverse energy mix, how is oil and gas faring in the equation?

Oil and gas remain central to Uganda’s energy security and industrial growth while supporting the transition to renewables. Gas is being developed for power generation, fertilisers and clean cooking, and revenues from petroleum will fund renewable expansion and grid investment.

Is a significant overhaul of existing policies anticipated with the launch of the revised National Oil and Gas Policy?

There is no major overhaul, rather an update to reflect new realities. The revised policy strengthens gas utilisation, decarbonisation, local content and transparency, ensuring alignment with Uganda’s energy transition (preferably addition) plan and sustainable development goals.

What is Uganda willing to bring to the table in ADIPEC 2025, and what will be the country's take-aways from the event?

Uganda brings investment-ready projects in the upstream, East African Crude Oil Pipeline and refinery, and a stable policy environment. We seek partnerships, technology transfer, specifically Artificial Intelligence systems, financing and market linkages to accelerate development and advance our energy transition (addition) agenda.

OMV Austria makes oil discovery in Sirte Basin

This well marks the first discovery for OMV in Block 106/4.

The National Oil Corporation (NOC) of Libya has announced a new oil discovery by OMV Austria Ltd – Libya Branch in the Sirte Basin, specifically at well B1 in Block 106/4

Production tests show that this exploratory well, reaching a depth of 10,476 feet, is producing over 4,200 barrels of oil per day, with gas production expected to exceed 2.6 million cubic feet daily.

This well marks the first discovery for OMV in Block 106/4, under the Exploration and Production Sharing Agreement (EPSA) signed in 2008 between the NOC, as the owner, and OMV, as the operator.

Libya has reopened to investors for exploration and development prospects, and recently the region also saw high-quality seismic data acquisition. A survey has been initiated onshore Concession 57 by Libya's Arabian Gulf Oil Company, who collaborated with Polaris and Tay Oil Services to deploy Stryde's onshore nodal seismic solutions.

BW Energy reports preliminary results from Kudu license

Preliminary results are encouraging.

BW Energy has reached total depth on the Kharas-1 appraisal well and drilled multiple formations present across the Kudu license

Strategically designed to intersect several targets within a single borehole, the well revealed valuable geological data across the broader petroleum system. The approach, however, did not allow for individual optimisation of each formation.

Preliminary results are encouraging as several intervals show indications of hydrocarbon presence and reservoir potential, suggesting a working petroleum system at Kharas. Early analysis indicates that the K1 interval may contain hydrocarbons wetter than dry gas. A hydrocarbon migration front has been observed, and wireline operations are underway to assess reservoir quality, fluid type, and pressure characteristics.

A follow-up appraisal campaign will be required to evaluate the individual targets in greater detail. The outcome of the wireline programme will guide decisions on the next well location and the future appraisal strategy.

Capricorn continues to invest in Egyptian assets

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Capricorn has fulfilled all exploration commitments on its legacy acreage.

Capricorn has received US$50m from the Egyptian General Petroleum Corporation (EGPC)

Since 30 June 2025, the company has received a total of US$102m, and its accounts receivable is approximately US$115m (H1’25 - US$182m) (excluding expected credit loss adjustments).

The company expects to receive further material payments against arrears before year end.

Capricorn continues to invest in its Egyptian asset base and has fulfilled all exploration commitments on its legacy acreage. At South East Horus, Capricorn, with its joint venture partner Cheiron (the Joint Venture), has elected to continue into Phase 2 following test results. The Joint Venture will also be pursuing an application for a new development lease on the North Um Baraka (NUMB) concession due to encouraging test results from an exploration well drilled earlier this year. Additionally, the NUMB concession will be included in the modernised concession agreement allowing for continued exploration. On the West El Fayoum concession, commitments have been fulfilled, and the results are such that the Joint Venture will relinquish the block.

Customary ratification of the modernised concession agreement is now expected to take place in Q1 2026 due to limited time for additional business in the current session of Parliament. The modernised concession agreement will have an operational start date of 01 July 2025.

Capricorn remains on track to deliver above the mid-point of FY25 production guidance of 17,000-21,000 boepd with year-to-date production averaging 19,924 boepd to mid-October, of which 41% are liquids.

QatarEnergy acquires new stake offshore Egypt

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The concession includes the North Rafah offshore block. (Image source: QatarEnergy)

The government of Egypt has approved for Qatar Energy a 40% stake in an offshore concession where Eni is the operator with 60% interest

The concession is applicable for the North Rafah offshore block located in the Mediterranean Sea, off the northeastern coast of Egypt. It spans nearly 3,000 sq km in water depths of up to 450 meters.

“We are pleased with our new position in the North Rafah offshore block, which further strengthens our presence in Egypt and marks another important step in advancing our ambitious international exploration strategy,” said Saad Sherida Al-Kaabi, the Minister of State for Energy Affairs, and president and CEO of QatarEnergy.

“We extend our thanks to the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Mineral Resources in Egypt, and our partner Eni for their valued support and cooperation. We look forward to working together to achieve our exploration objectives,” he added.

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