Eni’s Recent Hydrocarbon Discoveries in Africa
In February 2026, Eni, a prominent player in the energy sector, made headlines with two significant hydrocarbon discoveries in Africa. The company successfully drilled the Murene South-1X well in Block CI-501, located off the coast of Ivory Coast. This discovery confirmed the existence of the Calao South field within the promising Calao channel complex. Additionally, through its joint venture Azule Energy in Angola, Eni announced the success of the Algaita-01 well in Block 15/06, positioned within the resource-rich Lower Congo Basin. These achievements illustrate Eni’s strategic approach of pursuing new exploration while enhancing production capabilities in Africa’s established markets.
Acknowledgment from the African Energy Chamber
The African Energy Chamber (AEC) has praised Eni for its continued focus on exploration within Africa. The recent finds in Ivory Coast and Angola are not just economically beneficial but also enhance the continent’s strategic positioning in global energy markets. For emerging oil producers like Ivory Coast, these significant discoveries represent a critical step toward energy independence and the growth of domestic gas-to-power initiatives. Meanwhile, for more mature markets like Angola, these finds reinforce production stability at a time when global investments in energy are becoming more discerning. As Eni moves forward with appraisal and development phases, these discoveries could energize the upstream sector across Africa.
Exploration in Ivory Coast: A Game-Changer
The Murene South-1X well in Block CI-501 marks a breakthrough in Eni’s exploration efforts in Ivory Coast. This discovery estimates around 5 trillion cubic feet of gas and 450 million barrels of condensate, and was drilled in water depths reaching approximately 5,000 meters. High-quality Cenomanian sands were discovered that possess excellent petrophysical properties. While the well will undergo a full drill stem test to evaluate its production capabilities, initial findings suggest a transformative impact on the Ivorian gas sector.
Importantly, Calao South complements the ongoing development of the Baleine Field, which Eni operates. Currently yielding over 62,000 barrels of oil and approximately 75 million cubic feet of gas each day from its first two phases, the Baleine project is poised to escalate production under its third phase, targeting 150,000 barrels of oil and 200 million cubic feet of gas daily. This structured approach illustrates how successful exploration can swiftly transition into production, bolstering domestic energy generation and meeting industrial demands while enhancing export potential.
Angola’s Resource Potential
Eni’s exploration efforts are not limited to new frontiers; they extend into established areas like Angola, where the company has achieved promising results. The Algaita-01 well has confirmed the resource potential of Block 15/06, one of Angola’s major producing zones. Drilled at a depth of 667 meters by the Saipem 12000 drillship, this well struck oil-bearing sandstones across multiple Upper Miocene intervals. Initial assessments suggest the site could contain up to 500 million barrels of oil, emphasizing its significant growth potential.
A particular advantage of the Algaita-01 well is its proximity to the Olombendo Floating Production Storage and Offloading (FPSO) unit. The presence of established infrastructure greatly improves the economic feasibility of development, reducing capital expenses and accelerating the time to bring new resources to market. This incremental exploration strategy around existing hubs is essential for maintaining Angola’s production levels, especially as older fields begin to decline.
Continued Exploration Across Africa
Eni’s discoveries in both Ivory Coast and Angola align with its ambitious exploration strategy throughout Africa. The company is set to invest up to €24 billion in North Africa over the next four years, targeting regions such as Algeria, Libya, and Egypt, representing a substantial boost for the local energy sector. Recently, Eni obtained an offshore exploration license in Libya following a 2025 open licensing round. This exploration initiative coincides with a significant push in liquefied natural gas (LNG) projects across Africa, including phases of the Congo LNG and Coral North, reinforcing Eni’s commitment to developing the continent’s gas resources.
“Eni’s recent discoveries in Ivory Coast and Angola send a compelling message to the global energy market that Africa is both open for business and rich in untapped resources. Oil and gas are fundamental to our continent’s industrial progress and energy independence,” asserts NJ Ayuk, Executive Chairman of the AEC. Companies that continue to explore and invest in Africa are significantly contributing to the region’s development and energy security.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Energy Chamber.
