KEY POINTS
- The Gambia signs offshore oil exploration deal with Eni for Block A1.
- Multi-agency government team coordinated negotiations and regulatory framework.
- Agreement aims to boost investment and expand upstream oil exploration capacity.
The Government of The Gambia has signed a major offshore petroleum exploration agreement with global energy company Eni, marking a significant step in its ambition to develop the country’s upstream oil and gas sector.
The agreement covers exploration activities in offshore Block A1 and is expected to attract investment, deepen technical expertise, and strengthen The Gambia’s position in the regional energy landscape.
Government officials described the deal as the outcome of extensive negotiations led by the National Petroleum Negotiating Committee, a multi-agency team drawn from key institutions across the country’s energy, finance, environment, maritime, and investment sectors.
The Gambian government commended members of the National Petroleum Negotiating Committee for their coordination and technical input throughout the negotiation process.
The committee included representatives from the Ministry of Petroleum, Energy and Mines, the Petroleum Commission of The Gambia, the Gambia National Petroleum Corporation, the Geological Department, the Office of the President, the Ministry of Finance and Economic Affairs, the National Environment Agency, the Gambia Revenue Authority, the Gambia Maritime Authority, and the Gambia Investment and Export Promotion Agency.
Officials said the collaboration ensured that the agreement aligned with national interests, regulatory standards, and long-term development goals.
Eni to Lead Deepwater Exploration in Block A1
Eni, headquartered in Rome, is a global integrated energy firm operating in more than 60 countries and widely recognised for its deepwater exploration expertise.
In Africa, the company has established operations across several countries, including Nigeria, Angola, Mozambique, Ghana, and Côte d’Ivoire, where it has been involved in major offshore discoveries and developments.
Under the new agreement, Eni Gambia Ltd, a branch of the parent company, will carry out exploration activities in Block A1, applying its technical capacity and operational standards to assess the area’s petroleum potential.
The Petroleum Commission of The Gambia, established under the Petroleum Commission Act 2021, will oversee regulatory compliance, licensing, and data management for all petroleum activities.
The Ministry of Petroleum, Energy and Mines will continue to serve as the primary government authority responsible for policy direction and the formal issuance of petroleum exploration and production licences under existing legislation.
Officials say the partnership is designed to encourage responsible investment while ensuring that exploration activities are aligned with environmental safeguards and national development priorities.
