Dakar: The Gambia National Petroleum Corporation (GNPC), the national oil company of Gambia, has called for enhanced collaboration among regional national oil companies (NOCs) in West Africa to expedite exploration efforts across the country’s onshore areas. This appeal was made by Cany Jobe, Director of Exploration and Production at GNPC, during a panel discussion titled “Leveraging Frontier Discoveries for Growth in West Africa” at the MSGBC Oil, Gas, and Power 2025 event held in Dakar on December 9.
According to African Press Organization, Jobe emphasized the need for partnerships to mitigate risks associated with onshore exploration and to strengthen regional cooperation with other NOCs, including Senegal’s Petrosen. Jobe noted that the onshore sector is where the Gambia is currently lagging and lacks substantial data.
Petrosen, Senegal’s national oil company, highlighted that less than 10% of the MSGBC Basin has been explored and pointed out ongoing efforts to expand exploration activities into deeper waters, which require additional 3D seismic data. Abu Mbengue, Director of Exploration and Promotion at Petrosen E and P, expressed confidence in the basin’s potential, drawing parallels with other world-class basins globally.
Mauritania’s NOC, Soci©t© Mauritanienne des Hydrocarbures (SMH), underscored the country’s successful track record of 11 oil and gas discoveries from over 80 wells, both onshore and offshore. The NOC highlighted the extensive data acquisition efforts, with more than 100,000 km² of 3D seismic data now available. Hammadi EL Hadji, Exploration Director at SMH, remarked on the potential of the MSGBC basin as one of the world’s greatest, with significant oil and gas opportunities.
Energy data and intelligence firm TGS announced its plans to deploy new vessels in West Africa, introducing low-frequency data sources to enhance data richness and resolution. Robert Holden, Vice President for Africa, Mediterranean, and Middle East at TGS, emphasized their commitment to the multi-client model and advancements in satellite, storage, and cloud technologies.
Elsewhere in the region, Guinea-Bissau is witnessing a resurgence in offshore exploration activities, driven by international companies like Apus Energy. The company holds licenses for the shallow-water Sinapa and Esperan§a areas, where exploration efforts are ongoing. Michael Mosesyan, Drilling Manager at Apus Energy, shared insights into their exploration journey, noting recent oil plays encountered.
The MSGBC Basin has seen substantial growth in offshore investment, with significant projects like the Sangomar oilfield in Senegal and the Greater Tortue Ahmeyim (GTA) LNG development along the Senegal-Mauritania border. As the operator of the GTA project, bp is working with both governments to deliver Phase 2, with start-up planned for 2027. Mariama Ndao, Deputy Country Manager for Senegal at bp, highlighted their focus on advancing the next chapter of the project.