TotalEnergies, together with Qatar Energy and the Société Nationale des Pétroles du Congo (SNPC), has been granted rights to the Nzombo exploration block in the Republic of Congo. The permit lies around 100 kilometers offshore Pointe-Noire, close to the company’s existing Moho production hub. The partners plan to drill an initial exploration well by late 2025.
The African Energy Chamber (AEC) welcomed the award, noting that TotalEnergies continues to play a central role in shaping Congo’s upstream sector. The energy major is already the country’s largest operator through projects such as Moho Nord and Marine XX. The Nzombo award underscores both its long-term commitment to Congo and the government’s strategy to accelerate offshore exploration.
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Investment program
TotalEnergies has steadily expanded its footprint in Congo in 2025. In April, the company unveiled a $500 million investment program to drill new wells at Moho Nord, targeting an increase in production. Earlier in the year, it also boosted its equity in the permit to 63.5% after acquiring an additional 10% interest from Trident Energy.
Alongside this, TotalEnergies deployed two deepwater rigs in 2024 to drill prospects in the Moho and Marine blocks. As of April 2025, three wells were underway, with a fourth planned. Moho alone accounts for half of Congo’s oil output, producing 140,000 barrels per day (bpd). New drilling is expected to raise production by another 40,000 bpd. The Nzombo block could add further volumes, strengthening Congo’s position as a key Central African producer.
For its part, the Congolese government aims to lift national production from 274,000 bpd today to 500,000 bpd by 2027. Measures to achieve this include new licensing rounds, accelerated approvals, and active engagement with international operators.
“The Republic of Congo has proven it is open for business. The Nzombo award reflects the government’s readiness to support exploration and unlock fresh offshore resources. Exploration projects such as this will be vital to achieving the country’s target of 500,000 bpd,” said NJ Ayuk, Executive Chairman of the AEC.
