Eni's Deep Value Driller has arrived offshore Ghana for drilling activities. (Image source: Adobe Stock)

Eni Ghana has unleashed the Sankofa development plan, which will commence with drilling operations around 60 nautical miles off Ghana’s coast adjacent to the John Agyekum Kufour FPSO

Along with its Offshore Cape Three Points (OCTP) partners, Vitol Upstream Ghana Ltd and Ghana National Petroleum Corporation, the major has begun the Sankofa East 1X Side Track 2.

After concluding operations in Cote d'Ivoire, the company's high-end drillship called the Deep Value Driller (DVD) has arrived offshore Ghana to support exploration activities with its advanced automated technology, ensuring world class operational performance and safety.

The OCTP block partners have made sure to uphold transperency for all stakeholders and communities involved as they embrace sustainable production and advance energy security for Ghana.

Eni has been present in Ghana since 2009 with offshore hydrocarbon exploration and production activities, with an equity production of about 34,000 barrels of oil equivalent per day. The company is the operator of the OCTP project with a 44.4% share, in partnership with Vitol (35.6%) and GNPC (20%). The joint venture’s portfolio of projects also includes initiatives in the areas of training, economic diversification, access to water and sanitation, and access to energy.

The entity is a merger between iGas, PetroSA and the SFF. (Image source: Adobe Stock)

The South African National Petroleum Company (SANPC) was unveiled at The Maslow Hotel in Sandton

The state-owned entity is the result of a merger between iGas, PetroSA and the Strategic Fuel Fund (SFF), aiming to secure South Africa's energy future with the revitalisation of strategic infrastructure.

During the launch event, SANPC chairperson, Sipho Mkhize, defined the company as a "national asset" that has been the brainchild of the President Cyril Ramaphosa-led government. He informed that strategic discussions are underway with the Ministers of Transport, Mineral Resources and Energy, and Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment to convert the single buoy mooring (SBM) in Durban into a more flexible multi-buoy mooring (MBM). 

This will reduce dependency on international oil companies while ensuring supply, making SANPC an independent terminal operator with equal berth access and robust system integrity.

The Minister of Mineral Resources and Energy, Gwede Mantashe, said, “This launch is a strategic intervention – SANPC will drive industrialisation, job creation and inclusive growth. It will manage our strategic oil reserves, rebuild our refining capacity, and ensure energy sovereignty while contributing to regional energy security.” 

He emphasised the urgency of restoring South Africa’s refining capabilities and reiterated government’s support for SANPC’s efforts to restart the PetroSA GTL plant in Mossel Bay and revive the SAPREF Refinery in Durban.

CEO Godfrey Moagi acknowledged the majority state-owned Brazilian oil and gas company, Petrobras, as an inspiration behind SANPC’s vision while "tailoring our approach to reflect South Africa’s realities and aspirations”.

“SANPC is open for business. We invite partners to join us in building integrated, innovative, and sustainable energy systems across South Africa and the continent,” said Mkhize.

Shell’s interest in the OML 118 PSC will rise to 67.5%. (Image source; Adobe Stock)

Shell Nigeria Exploration and Production Company (SNEPCo) has acquired TotalEnergies EP Nigeria Limited's 12.5% stake in the OML 118 production sharing contract (OML 118 PSC), an oil mining lease offshore Nigeria that includes the Bonga field

This raises Shell’s interest in the OML 118 PSC from 55% to 67.5%.

As the OML 118 PSC operator, SNEPCo currently produces from the Bonga field via the Bonga Floating Production Storage and Offloading (FPSO) vessel and announced the development of the Bonga North field in December 2024.

“Following our final investment decision on Bonga North last year, this acquisition brings another significant investment in Nigeria deepwater that contributes to sustained liquids production and growth in our Upstream portfolio,” said Peter Costello, Shell’s President, Upstream.

The transaction is likely to be completed before the year-end, given all regulatory approvals and closing conditions are in place. 

Also read: 

SNEPCo reaches FID on Bonga North offshore Nigeria

Africa's oil & gas industry needs policies that effectively attract sustainable investment. (Image source: Adobe Stock)

Interest in Africa’s upstream oil and gas sector continues to grow, with the proviso that effective governance, transparent policies and favourable fiscal terms are developed in-country 

To foster a sustainable investment environment, African governments must strike a delicate balance between attracting foreign capital and ensuring that investments serve the broader interests of their populations.

For Africa to realise its vast potential in the oil and gas sector, good governance is essential. Governments must establish transparent policies that instill confidence in investors. A commitment to political stability and robust regulatory frameworks not only attracts foreign direct investment (FDI) but also fosters an environment where businesses can thrive.

Key to this approach is the development of favourable fiscal terms that align with the interests of both the state and investors. By offering competitive tax regimes and incentives, governments can entice investors while ensuring that local communities benefit from the wealth generated by natural resources. This alignment is crucial in the context of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 7, which emphasises the need for access to affordable and sustainable energy for all.

A panel discussion I hosted during Africa Energy Week underscored the need for policies that effectively attract sustainable investment. African nations, rich in oil and gas reserves, face the challenge of translating these resources into tangible benefits for their populations. Investments should not only generate financial returns but also contribute to socio-economic development.

To achieve this, countries must develop comprehensive strategies that encourage local refining and the establishment of a robust petrochemicals industry. This minimises the export of crude oil and maximises the value retained within the continent, creating jobs and stimulating economic growth. Such a multifaceted approach not only enhances the value extracted from the continent's natural resources but also has far-reaching socio-economic benefits.

For instance, exporting crude oil in its raw form means losing a significant portion of its potential economic value. By investing in local refining capabilities, countries can process crude oil into finished products – such as gasoline, diesel, and various petrochemicals – before they are exported. This transformation allows nations to capture more value from their natural resources and reduce dependency on foreign refined products. 

This is the first of a two-part article written by Taona Kokera, director - head of infrastructure finance advisory at Forvis Mazars in South Africa