Congo boosts oil development, OPEC to participate in CEIF 2025

In a bid to attract investment to the sector, Congo is preparing to launch an international licensing round at the first Congo Energy & Investment Forum (CEIF) next March. In light of these ambitions, a speech by OPEC Secretary General Haitham Al Ghais at CEIF 2025 should boost confidence and support cooperation between Africa's leading oil-producing nations.

The first Congo Energy & Investment Forum, to be held in Brazzaville from 24 to 26 March 2025, under the patronage of President Denis Sassou Nguesso and with the support of the Ministry of Hydrocarbons and Société Nationale des Pétroles du Congo, will bring together international investors and local players to explore national and regional opportunities in energy and infrastructure. The event will explore the latest gas-to-power projects and provide updates on ongoing expansions across the country.

Last June, the Congolese Minister for Hydrocarbons, Bruno Jean-Richard Itoua, took part in two OPEC meetings, during which it was decided to extend oil production cuts until 2025. During these meetings, Minister Itoua expressed the country's firm commitment to supporting market stability, while stressing that the production cuts will encourage new investment in African oil and gas projects.

Congo is currently conducting several exploration and development programmes to discover new geological zones in the country. Independent hydrocarbon producer Perenco recently made a shallow-water discovery on its PNGF Sud licence and completed a 3D seismic acquisition campaign on the Tchibouela II, Tchendo II, Marine XXVIII and Emeraude licences, paving the way for future exploration drilling.

For its part, Italian major Eni is concentrating on exploration efforts in the conventional and deepwater zones off the coast of Pointe-Noire. Chinese energy company Wing Wah is currently developing the Banga Kayo block, while French supermajor TotalEnergies is preparing to drill the Niamou-1 exploration well on the Marine XX offshore block.

"Haitham Al Ghais' participation in CEIF 2025 underlines the vital role of international collaboration in shaping Africa's energy future. His knowledge as Secretary General of OPEC will enhance dialogue, increase investor confidence and strengthen the partnerships that are essential to unlocking Congo's vast oil potential," says Sandra Jeque, Director of Events and Projects at Energy Capital & Power.