Petrosen, Senegal’s state-owned oil company, is set to launch a $100 million onshore oil and gas exploration campaign this year aimed at discovering crude in the country’s onshore fields, following recent regulatory changes and the revocation of licenses from operators who have done little or no work.
Senegal’s state-owned oil company, Petrosen, is launching a $100 million onshore exploration campaign to expand the country’s oil potential.This initiative follows regulatory actions revoking exploration licenses to strengthen national control over oil and gas resources.Senegal has significant offshore oil and gas projects, such as the Greater Tortue Ahmeyim and Sangomar, contributing to its growing energy sector.With onshore exploration and strategic energy developments, Senegal aims to become a key player in Africa’s oil and gas industry.
Senegal has established itself as an emerging oil and gas producer, with major offshore projects like the BP-led Greater Tortue Ahmeyim field and Woodside Energy Group’s Sangomar project driving its development.The country is looking to leverage this progress with a $100 million investment aimed at accelerating onshore oil and gas exploration, further boosting its production capacity and solidifying its position in the global energy market.Despite relatively modest proven oil reserves of around 1.03 billion barrels, the country’s offshore fields, particularly Greater Tortue Ahmeyim and Sangomar, are expected to significantly boost production.
In addition to oil, the West African nation holds substantial natural gas reserves, estimated at around 450 billion cubic feet, which are vital for its ambitions in the global LNG market.These developments position the country as a key player in both the oil and gas sectors
Petrosen’s Focus on Onshore ExplorationPetrosen’s new focus on onshore exploration aims to further expand Senegal’s oil and gas potential, particularly given the untapped resources in the country’s onshore fields.
Nevertheless, BP continues to operate in Senegal, with a primary focus on the Greater Tortue Ahmeyim offshore gas project.In early 2025, BP started exporting its first liquefied natural gas (LNG) cargo from the GTA project. Meanwhile, Woodside began oil production from Sangomar the previous year, although both projects encountered delays before reaching full production.Senegal’s Strategic Goals for Gas and Oil ProductionDespite the offshore successes, Gueye remains optimistic about the untapped potential of Senegal’s onshore fields.
“Our hope is by the end of the year to have some major find in our onshore basin,” he said.The country plans to fast-track onshore oil and gas development to bolster its energy sector and economic growth, following the revocation of licenses from operators like Oranto, which failed to make progress in seismic work or drilling despite extensions, according to Minister Birame Souleye Diop of the Ministry of Energy and Petroleum.
