Uganda hands out exploration licences
Uganda’s cabinet has approved licences for Uganda National Oil Co. (UNOC) and Australia’s DGR Global, with an initial period of two years.
licence round
South Africa seeks seismic providers ahead of licence round
South Africa is dusting off seismic plans once more as it aims to launch a licensing round, following the passage of long delayed upstream laws.
Sierra Leone pushes back bid round close
Sierra Leone has extended the closing of its bid round until January 27, 2023, saying it had taken the decision to handle the increased interest.
Hydrocarbons as a force for peace in Somalia
Somalia has the potential to be a major province, writes Arabey Hashi Abdi, with a population that is eager to seize the opportunities of new investment.
Sierra Leone jumps in for exploration offering
Sierra Leone is in the midst of a licence round as it aims to cash in on a return of interest to the energy sector.
Bangalane takes up role as head of INP
Nazário Bangalane has been sworn in as the new chairman of Mozambique’s Instituto Nacional de Petroleo (INP).
Israel sets out plans for fourth bid round
Israel has begun preparations for a fourth offshore bid round (OBR 4), even while still waiting for the closing results of its third round.
Congolese licence plans draw Greenpeace ire
Congo Kinshasa has approved plans to offer 16 blocks for exploration, although the plan has drawn opposition from Greenpeace Africa.
BW Energy takes two blocks in Gabon’s delayed round
BW Energy has signed up to two new exploration blocks offshore Gabon as part of the country’s often delayed 12th offshore licensing round.
New onshore study launched ahead of Angola round
Trois Consulting and DDMS have announced the offering of a fully integrated geological and geophysical study for onshore exploration in Angola.
Lebanon issues warning on Israeli licence plans
Lebanese President Michel Aoun has condemned planned Israeli exploration in contested waters.
UNOC pitches for exploration partners
Uganda National Oil Co. (UNOC) has invited companies to participate with it in the upcoming bid round.
Serpentina struck with multiple coronavirus cases
Equatorial Guinea recorded 30 cases of coronavirus at ExxonMobil's Serpentina floating production, storage and offloading (FPSO) facility over the weekend.
PGS completes Kwanza shoot
PGS has completed the acquisition of 3D seismic on Angola’s Kwanza shelf, which will be used in the country’s 2021 licence round.
South Sudan pushes back licence round
South Sudan has postponed its licence round as a result of the coronavirus, officials have said.
Coronavirus drives Liberia licence round online
The Liberian government is seeking interest from local companies on participating in the offshore licence round, which is due to open on April 10, while moving the launch event online in order to restrict coronavirus transmission.
Senegal sets out bid round timetable
Senegal is officially launching its licence round on January 31, with applications required to be in by July 31.
New oil law in Somalia tests uneasy peace
Somalia is taking steps to attract foreign investment to its energy sector but challenges remain, most notably in how the federal government can integrate its policies with those of the state governments.
Liberia lines up 2020 licence round
Liberia has set out plans for a licensing round in 2020, via the Liberia Petroleum Regulatory Authority (LPRA).
Senegal launches licence round
Senegal has launched its licence round the Africa Oil Week conference in South Africa, although it faces criticism from one company for offering a disputed block.
Gabon dishes out exploration work
Gabon has signed a number of new exploration licences, while also extending production licences.
Equatorial Guinea pitches for investment
Equatorial Guinea is pioneering developments in gas trading around West Africa with plans for a first regasification facility and political initiatives.
TGS, Schlumberger bring Red Sea into focus
TGS and Schlumberger’s WesternGeco are close to finishing 3D seismic reimaging on Egypt’s Red Sea, as a licence round comes to a close in the area. The two companies said the work would cover data from three seismic surveys, covering 3,600 square km, which were acquired between 1999 and 2008.