The partners will explore the Damara Fold Belt and Rift Basin plays. (Image source: Adobe Stock)

Reconnaissance Energy Africa has completed a farm down agreement with BW Energy Limited

The sale of a 20% working interest in Petroleum Exploration Licence 73 (PEL 73), in northeast Namibia , has been approved by the Namibian Ministry of Mines and Energy and Namcor Exploration and Production (Pty) Ltd.

The working interests in PEL 73 now comprise ReconAfrica as operator with 70% interest; BW Energy with 20% interest, and NAMCOR with a 10% interest.

Brian Reinsborough , President and CEO commented, "We are pleased to have received all the necessary approvals for the completion of our strategic farm down agreement with BW Energy on PEL 73. We look forward to working with BW Energy as we continue to explore the Damara Fold Belt and Rift Basin plays.

"The results of the Naingopo exploration well will be released shortly following third party analysis of our extensive evaluation program, which was undertaken after the completion of drilling operations on the well. Results have been delayed due to transportation of side wall cores and fluid samples over the holiday period. All samples have now arrived with our third parties and are being analysed."

Carl K. Arnet , CEO, BW Energy commented, "The transaction will enable BW Energy to expand its footprint in a strategically important energy region and further our position as a leader in Namibia's journey towards energy independence. The data and insights gained through ReconAfrica's exploration campaign will further our understanding of the geology and petroleum system in Namibia ."

Congo's Hydrocarbons Code which puts Congolese nationalists first. (Image source: Adobe Stock)

With an aim to enhance transparency and local integration, the Minister of Hydrocarbons Bruno Jean-Richard Itoua recently launched a registration campaign for subcontracting and service companies in the oil and gas industry

This comes as part of Congo's Hydrocarbons Code which puts Congolese nationalists first. It advances a comprehensive law on local content, with internationl partnerships forged on the basis of knowledge sharing and capacity building. This will allow the region to benefit from its rich natural resources through job ccreation, technology transfer and building local expertise.

In line with its economic goals, the government has established policies to ensure that Congo’s energy sector benefits local businesses and workers.

While the government sets the framework, private sector companies are taking proactive steps to promote local content. Energy supermajor TotalEnergies employs around 600 local staff in Congo compared to just 40 expatriates, showcasing it commitment to workplace integration. The company also invests in training and development programs to equip Congolese employees with the skills needed for higher-level roles. In June 2024, TotalEnergies committed $600 million to expand production at the Moho Nord offshore field, with a focus on involving local subcontractors and training programs.

Similarly, Italian multinational energy company Eni is investing in local workforce development. As part of its efforts to prepare for the launch of LNG production last year, the company trained 40 Congolese employees in liquefaction technologies. This initiative helped to ensure that Congo has the skilled workforce its needs to manage LNG facilities and reduce reliance on foreign specialists.

Algeria has six onshore blocks currently in offer. (Image source: Adobe Stock)

Aiming consistent flow of investments upto US$50bn, the National Agency for the Valorization of Hydrocarbon Resources (ALNAFT) unveiled an ambitious five-year licensing strategy inviting both domestic and international investors, starting November 2024

With six onshore blocks currently in offer, the deadline for bid submissions is 15 April, following the evaluation of bids, contracts will be officially awarded in Algiers on May 29, 2025. These blocks include M’Zaid, Ahara, Reggane II and Zerafa II, which will be offered as Production Sharing Contracts (PSCs).

ALNAFT has compiled over 102,000 line-kilometers of 2D seismic data and more than 45,000 km² of 3D seismic data. This extensive dataset offers investors a clear and comprehensive view of Algeria’s subsurface potential, aiding in the identification of promising hydrocarbon prospects.

The new Trump regime might see increased US reach in Africa's oil and gas scene. (Image source: Energy Capital & Power)

As Donald Trump assumes US presidency, it is significant to evaluate how the development is going to impact US-Africa energy relations 

While Trump has mostly harped on advancing domestic energy production, his unabashed support for fossil fuels might influence Africa's oil and gas industry as US investors in the region benefit from his policies. 

Trump's previous administration saw several developments for Africa's oil and gas industry, including ExxonMobil's US$30bn Rovuma LNG development in Mozambique, Chevron's expansion in Angola’s deepwater Block 0, Kosmos Energy's discoveries offshore Senegal and Mauritania, resulting into the Greater Tortue Ahmeyim LNG project, and Marathon Oil's continued expansion in Equatorial Guinea through the multi-phase Gas Mega Hub. A significant part of these were made possible by initiatives such as Prosper Africa, which facilitated improved trade relations between the two nations. 

The new Trump regime might see increased US reach in Africa's oil and gas scene through financing mechanisms like EXIM Bank. The rising global pressure on Africa to embrace energy transition might ease as well under Trump's new energy policies.