The MoU binds the two organisations to extend cooperation in hydrocarbons exploration.

Mozambique will see heightened bilateral cooperation in oil and gas driven by equality, reciprocity and mutual benefits, as the state-owned entity, Empresa Nacional de Hidrocarbonetos, E.P. (ENH), signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with SONATRACH

The MoU was signed by the chairman and CEO of SONATRACH, Rachid Hachichi and Ludovina Bernardo, chairwoman of the Board of Directors of ENH, during a ceremony organised at the Ministry of Mines and Energy of the Republic of Mozambique, in the presence of Mourad Adjal, Minister of Energy and Renewable Energies.

The MoU binds the two organisations to extend cooperation within the framework of hydrocarbons exploration and production projects that will also include transportation and downstream activities, while covering the whole value chain.

The partners are also considering a feasibility study on establishing a national gas distribution network for domestic consumption. SONATRACH is willing to provide training courses at ENH through knowledge-sharing in oil geology, engineering and operations.

The Volans-1X exploration well is part of PEL85.

The Volans-1X exploration well in Namibia’s Orange Basin has recorded excellent petrophysical properties and no observed water contact

The well is part of the Petroleum Exploration License 85 (PEL85), which is operated by Rhino Resources with a working interest of 42.5%. Co-venturers are Azule Energy (42.5%), NAMCOR (10%), and Korres Investments (5%).

The Northern Ocean's semi-submersible Deepsea Mira was deployed to drill the well, reaching a total depth of 4,497.5m TVDSS (true vertical depth subsea). It penetrated the Upper Cretaceous target, and encountered 26m of net pay in rich gas condensate-bearing reservoirs. While the results continue to be evaluated, initial laboratory analysis of two samples indicated a high condensate-to-gas ratio (CGR) of >140 bbl/mmscf with liquid density of approximately 40° API gravity. 

The Volans-1X well marks the third significant hydrocarbon discovery in 2025 for Azule Energy partners, following the Capricornus-1X light oil find in Namibia and the Gajajeira-01 gas discovery in Angola. 

The contracts amount to nearly US$135mn in total.

A significant demand boost in West Africa and other regions reflected in Saipem's latest wins as the company announced new offshore drilling contracts amounting to nearly US$135mn in total 

Eni Ghana Exploration & Production Limited and Eni Côte d’Ivoire Limited have booked the Santorini, a seventh-generation drillship, for extended operations in Ghana and Côte d’Ivoire respectively, ahead of the next drilling campaign in the Mediterranean Sea.

Another seventh-generation drillship, the Deep Value Driller, has completed its operations in Ghana on behalf of Eni Ghana Exploration & Production Limited and will be employed for a new project in Indonesia for Eni Ganal Deepwater Limited, with activities expected to commence by the end of the year.

The Scarabeo 9, having recently completed a successful drilling campaign in Egypt for Burullus Gas Company, an Egyptian oil and gas company active in offshore gas production, has started operations in Libya under a new contract with Eni North Africa BV, that will keep the rig active until early 2026.

Saipem's drilling units are known for bringing in reliability and operational strength to major projects.

Block 3/24 is located adjacent to Afentra's existing interests in Blocks 3/05 and 3/05A.

Africa-focussed oil and gas company, Afentra plc, has received the Presidential Decree approval for its Risk Service Contract (RSC) for offshore Block 3/24 

This follows the signing of Heads of Terms with Angola's National Agency of Petroleum, Gas and Biofuels (ANPG).

Block 3/24 is located adjacent to Afentra's existing interests in Blocks 3/05 and 3/05A, containing five established discoveries in shallow water, offering short-cycle, low-cost development as well as near-field exploration potential.

Under the terms of the RSC, Afentra will be Operator with a 40% interest in the block, alongside Maurel & Prom Angola S.A.S. (40%) and Sonangol E&P (20%).

Block 3/24 spans across 545 sq km, lying adjacent to Afentra's existing producing oil fields and undeveloped discoveries in Blocks 3/05 and 3/05A. The block adds a further five discoveries - Palanca North East, Quissama, Goulongo, Cefo and Kuma - all located in the same Pinda reservoir as the existing oil fields in Block 3/05 and 3/05A. In addition, the block contains the previously developed Canuku field cluster, which has produced up to 12,000 bopd. The block is estimated to include over 130 mmbbls of STOIIP and 400 bcf GIIP of already discovered resources.

These discoveries and previous development assets offer a significant opportunity to apply modern technology to deliver short-cycle, low-cost developments tied back to the existing infrastructure in Block 3/05. A number of exploration prospects have also been identified based on existing 3D seismic data.

CEO Paul McDade said, "We are pleased to confirm the formal approval of the Block 3/24 license. This milestone marks Afentra's first offshore operatorship and represents a significant step in our strategy to build a material production business in Angola. Our attention will now turn to technical analysis of the historic wells on the license as we commence a phased programme to re-access wells and fast-track first oil. We look forward to working with our joint venture partners to unlock the full potential of this highly prospective block."