Africa's oil and gas sector poised for new exploration boom, say industry leaders

AFRICA'S oil and gas industry could be entering a new era of exploration, underpinned by breakthroughs in seismic imaging, enhanced subsurface datasets, and faster permitting processes, according to experts speaking at Africa Energy Week (AEW): Invest in African Energies 2025 in Cape Town.

- SIPHELELE DLUDLA

Emmanuelle Garinet, Vice President of Exploration Africa at TotalEnergies, said advances in seismic and subsurface technologies were transforming the continent's exploration outlook, particularly in frontier basins such as Namibia.

“When we decided to drill the Venus well, it was frontier, but we had a probability of success of more than 50% because of the seismic data and direct hydrocarbon indicators,” Garinet said.

She noted that Namibia's success illustrates how modern data tools can reduce exploration risk and unlock new hydrocarbon provinces.

In the Republic of Congo, she said, TotalEnergies' permitting process has accelerated dramatically — with approval secured in less than six months and drilling expected to begin by year-end.

“We got our permit in less than six months and are preparing for drilling by the end of the year,” Garinet said.