PETROSEN E&P, an exemplary transformation under the leadership of Thierno S. LY

Mr Thierno Seydou Ly is a product of his homeland, and more precisely of the Lycée Seydina Limamoulaye in Guédiawaye, where he won the general mathematics competition. He then continued his academic career in the land of Marianne, where he graduated from the prestigious Ecole Polytechnique de PARIS (X) and also obtained an engineering degree from the Institut Français du Pétrole (IFP School). He then accumulated a wealth of experience within the TotalEnergies group, where he held various strategic positions throughout Africa and the Middle East. His multidisciplinary expertise, combining oil, gas, petroleum economics and reservoir engineering, gives him a global vision of energy issues.

He returned to the country in 2018 to take up the post of Technical Adviser to the then Minister of Petroleum and Energy. In May 2022, Mr Thierno Seydou LY took over the reins of PETROSEN E&P, a company on the verge of bankruptcy at the time, suffering from a far from efficient organisation.

His arrival marked the start of a far-reaching transformation that has turned the company around by introducing procedures aligned with international oil and gas industry standards.

PETROSEN E&P's commitment to sustainable development is fully reflected in the development of its oil and gas projects and its sustainable development strategy.

An in-depth reorganisation

As soon as he arrived, Mr LY initiated a turnaround strategy focused on cleaning up the accounts and structuring an organisation capable of meeting the challenges of oil and gas development. Rigorous standards were introduced, ensuring more efficient project management in line with industry best practice.

One of the pillars of this transformation has been the strengthening of human resources. PETROSEN E&P has recruited high-calibre profiles and stepped up the skills development of its technical staff. This dynamic has led to better project management and increased cost control, helping to improve the company's overall performance.

An ideal working environment has helped to motivate teams and ensure greater productivity, thereby promoting Senegal's interests in oil and gas projects.

Growing visibility on the international stage

Aware of the importance of visibility in attracting investors, PETROSEN E&P has stepped up its participation in major international events. This approach has helped to highlight the potential of the Senegalese basin and to set records for the organisation of datarooms and multi-client data sales, attesting to the growing interest of investors in Senegal.

Strategic projects successfully completed

Thanks to methodical monitoring, PETROSEN E&P has achieved major milestones, including the "first oil" on the Sangomar field and the opening of the first gas well on the GTA project. These achievements testify to the rigorous management and effective monitoring of the projects, ensuring that revenues are maximised for Senegal while preserving national interests and promoting local content.

Petrofac, une entreprise spécialisée dans les services pétroliers, a récemment signé un contrat de quatre ans avec BP pour la prestation de services opérationnels liés au projet de gaz naturel Greater Tortue Ahmeyim (GTA), situé entre la Mauritanie et le Sénégal.

Reinforced management of the Yakaar-Teranga project

Following Bp's exit from the Yakaar-Teranga project, PETROSEN increased its stake and strengthened its management role. Under Mr LY's leadership, governance mechanisms have been put in place, including a right of veto and stricter cost control measures, ensuring better control of financial risks while enabling the transfer of skills and technologies to Senegalese employees. This initiative positions PETROSEN as a key future operator in the Senegalese basin.

PETROSEN E&P is now a key player in the Senegalese energy industry, thanks to a strategic vision based on skills development, financial rigour and international promotion. With the implementation of the "Gas-to-Power" strategy and the ambition to become a major national and international operator, the company is on the road to sustainable and inclusive growth.