Côte d'Ivoire: oil and gas production exceeds expectations

Côte d'Ivoire is making significant progress in the hydrocarbon sector thanks to production from the Baleine field, located off the Ivorian coast. The results have far exceeded initial forecasts, consolidating the country as a major player in West Africa's energy sector.

The Baleine field, due to be discovered in September 2021, is operated by the Italian major ENI in partnership with the national company Petroci. During the Council of Ministers meeting, government spokesman Amadou Coulibaly announced that current production is exceeding all estimates made when the field was discovered.

Phase 1 of production was launched in August 2023, followed by phase 2, which started on 28 December 2024, thus meeting the set deadlines. Phase 2 is expected to produce between 50,000 and 60,000 barrels of oil per day, compared with the initial forecast of 35,000 barrels.

In addition, natural gas production amounted to 50 to 60 million cubic feet per day, exceeding the forecast of 40 million.

Combined production from phases 1 and 2 of the project is expected to reach 75,000 to 85,000 barrels of oil per day and 80 to 85 million cubic feet of gas per day. A decision on the launch of a third phase will be taken by the end of 2025.

At the same time, Côte d'Ivoire is banking on other deposits to boost its production. In 2023, a new field called "Calao" was discovered, illustrating the country's determination to continue expanding its energy sector.

Côte d'Ivoire's clearly stated ambition is to achieve national production of 200,000 barrels of oil a day and 450 million cubic feet of gas a day by 2028. Although these volumes are still lower than those of the continent's behemoths such as Nigeria and Libya, which exceed one million barrels a day, Côte d'Ivoire's oil windfall is an essential lever for sustained economic growth.

Production growth at the Baleine field confirms Côte d'Ivoire's strategy of diversifying its energy sources and maximising its natural resources. With ongoing investment and a favourable regulatory framework, Côte d'Ivoire is gradually positioning itself as a key player in Africa's oil and gas sector.