A new reconnaissance permit agreement reinforces Sierra Leone’s credibility as an emerging exploration hub and sets the stage for renewed technical investment across West Africa.
Sierra Leone has taken a decisive step forward in advancing its upstream ambitions, with the Government of Sierra Leone – through the Petroleum Directorate – signing a Reconnaissance Permit Agreement with global energy major Eni S.p.A. This agreement marks Eni S.p.A’s first major engagement in the country’s offshore domain, representing a significant milestone in Sierra Leone’s drive to attract international investment, unlock offshore potential and position itself as a credible player in Africa’s petroleum landscape.
Under the terms of the agreement, Eni S.p.A has been granted rights to conduct reconnaissance and technical evaluation activities across offshore blocks G113, G129, G130, G131 and G132, covering approximately 6,790 square-kilometers within Sierra Leone’s territorial waters. The approved work program includes advanced geological and geophysical studies, representing a significant technical investment and signaling Eni S.p.A’s confidence in the country’s petroleum potential.
The African Energy Chamber (AEC) commends this milestone, which comes at a pivotal moment for Sierra Leone’s upstream resurgence. The agreement reflects the renewed interest of reputable international operators in frontier exploration opportunities across West Africa, driven by strengthened governance, modernized regulatory frameworks and the proactive leadership of Sierra Leone’s President Dr. Julius Maada Bio and Foday Mansaray, Director General, Petroleum Directorate of Sierra Leone.
“Eni S.p.A’s engagement represents a powerful endorsement of Sierra Leone’s progress in building a transparent, investable and technically credible oil and gas sector,” states NJ Ayuk, Executive Chairman of the AEC. “This agreement marks the beginning of a new exploration story characterized by confidence and data-driven investment. It shows that global energy companies recognize Sierra Leone’s potential and are ready to commit resources, expertise and technology to its long-term development.”
Sierra Leone’s offshore sector already demonstrates significant potential, with four major oil discoveries and proven offshore resources. Government estimates place total oil in place at 44 billion barrels, of which 15 to 20 billion barrels are considered recoverable. The country is also investing in advanced seismic mapping, with the acquisition of new 3D data across the offshore basin in partnership with TGS, aimed at mapping prospects and supporting future drilling activities.
These developments have placed Sierra Leone firmly back on the radar of global energy investors. Eni S.p.A’s decision to engage in large-scale technical reconnaissance demonstrates both confidence in the country’s geological potential and trust in the credibility of its regulatory and investment framework. The move also highlights the government’s commitment to creating a transparent and attractive environment for international partners – one that encourages knowledge transfer, infrastructure development and capacity building across the value chain.
The AEC views this milestone as a strategic inflection point for Sierra Leone, where years of institutional strengthening and policy reform are translating into tangible investor interest. With a proven offshore basin and a government actively promoting responsible resource development, Sierra Leone is poised to attract further investment that could reshape its economic future.
As the country seeks to diversify its economy and expand energy access, the Chamber believes partnerships with reputable international operators like Eni S.p.A will play a catalytic role in unlocking frontier resources and delivering shared value to the people of Sierra Leone. Through this landmark agreement, Sierra Leone takes an important step toward realizing its energy ambitions and positioning itself as a competitive exploration hub in West Africa.
