With 1.8 billion barrels of proven crude oil reserves and 10 trillion cubic feet of proven gas reserves, the Republic of Congo is well-positioned to attract investment through its upcoming international licensing round, set to launch in early 2025. As part of its strategy to double oil production from 250,000 barrels per day (bpd) to 500,000 bpd by 2027, the country is prioritizing the development of both marginal and deepwater blocks.
The Seismic Drive: Next Generation of Discoveries technical workshop at the upcoming Congo Energy & Investment Forum in Brazzaville will explore cutting-edge technologies driving exploration and field development in Congo. Through expert-led discussions and case studies, the session will showcase strategies for unlocking new frontiers and optimizing production from mature fields.
The inaugural Congo Energy & Investment Forum, set for March 24-26, 2025, in Brazzaville, under the patronage of President Denis Sassou Nguesso and supported by the Ministry of Hydrocarbons and Société Nationale des Pétroles du Congo, will bring together international investors and local stakeholders to explore national and regional energy and infrastructure opportunities. The event will explore the latest gas-to-power projects and provide updates on ongoing expansions across the country.
TotalEnergies, a key player in Congo’s offshore sector, has committed $600 million to enhance production at the Moho Nord deepwater field, which currently accounts for roughly half of the country’s total oil output. With this investment, TotalEnergies aims to increase the field’s production to 180,000 bpd. Additionally, TotalEnergies and drilling contractor Vantage Drilling recently launched a joint venture (JV), TEVA Ship Charter, to acquire drilling assets and provide exploration services in Congo. As part of the JV, the companies will purchase the Tungsten Explorer drillship, with an option to operate it for up to 15 years.
Meanwhile, Eni – one of the leading players in Congo’s natural gas sector – is ramping up exploration in conventional and deep offshore areas near Pointe-Noire, as well as onshore in the Kouilou region. National oil company Société Nationale des Pétroles du Congo is also advancing the country’s production efforts, actively developing several onshore fields, including Nanga I, Kouakouala II, Zingali II, and Le Mayombe II. Additionally, the Congolese subsidiary of China National Oil and Gas Overseas Holding announced last October a $150 million investment to enhance oil production in the Cankouati-Koui and Nanga III fields over the next three years.
Congo’s last oil and gas licensing round in 2018 offered 18 onshore and offshore blocks in the Cuvette and Coastal basins. Following this, local firms ARDP-Oil and PEPA discovered the Delta de la Cuvette field, a 9,392 m2 deposit that could produce up to 359 million barrels of oil. Now in the exploration phase, the field could significantly boost national production if fully developed.
The upcoming 2025 licensing round is expected to invigorate exploration and production activities, offering a diverse selection of deepwater and marginal fields. The government’s approach aims to attract international oil companies with the technical expertise and capital to develop deepwater assets, while also encouraging local and independent companies to explore marginal fields.
“Exploration in Congo is pivotal to unlocking the full potential of the country’s vast hydrocarbon reserves. By showcasing advanced technologies and facilitating strategic partnerships, this technical workshop aims to drive sustainable growth, attract investment and contribute to both local and regional energy security,” states Sandra Jeque, Events and Project Director at Energy Capital & Power.