Senegal has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Italian energy major Eni to evaluate the hydrocarbon potential of five offshore blocks, marking the latest step in the country’s efforts to attract fresh investment into its upstream oil and gas sector.
The agreement, signed on the sidelines of the Gastech 2026 conference in Bangkok, covers offshore blocks SN01M, SN02M, SN03M, SN07M and SN40M. Under the arrangement, Eni will finance and undertake a comprehensive programme of geological and geophysical studies aimed at improving understanding of the acreage and identifying future exploration opportunities.
According to Senegal’s Ministry of Energy and Petroleum, the studies will focus on the interpretation of existing 2D and 3D seismic data, as well as the analysis of available well information, to assess the oil and gas potential of the five offshore blocks. The programme will also include technical exchanges, specialist workshops and knowledge-transfer initiatives involving Senegal’s national oil company, Petrosen, which will serve as a key technical partner throughout the process.
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Strategy
The MoU forms part of Dakar’s broader strategy to reinvigorate exploration activity across its sedimentary basin following the successful launch of commercial hydrocarbon production. Energy Minister El Hadji Abdourahmane Diouf said the partnership reflects the government’s intention to place exploration at the centre of its long-term petroleum strategy while strengthening Petrosen’s role in resource development and basin management.
The agreement comes as Senegal seeks to build on momentum generated by two flagship projects that have transformed the country into a hydrocarbon producer. The Sangomar offshore oil field, which commenced production in June 2024, has emerged as a major contributor to the national economy. Output from the field reached approximately 36.1 million barrels in 2025, surpassing earlier forecasts and demonstrating the basin’s commercial potential.
Meanwhile, the Grand Tortue Ahmeyim (GTA) liquefied natural gas project, jointly developed with neighbouring Mauritania, began LNG production in early 2025 and has established Senegal as an emerging participant in the global gas market. During August 2026 alone, three crude cargoes totaling nearly 2.97 million barrels were exported from Sangomar, while three LNG cargoes from GTA amounted to about 0.49 million cubic metres.
The Eni partnership also aligns with Senegal’s plan to open 109 oil and gas blocks to domestic and international investors, signalling an ambitious push to expand exploration activity and unlock additional offshore resources as the country seeks to strengthen its position as a regional energy producer.
