Côte d'Ivoire's Baleine oil field expansion to reach 150,000 barrels per day in offshore production

Côte d'Ivoire is accelerating its offshore oil and gas development, which is expected to further consolidate its position as one of the fastest-growing upstream oil and gas markets in West Africa. Key offshore development projects are moving forward, new drilling activities have been scheduled, and efforts are underway to broaden project financing channels across the African continent.

During a high-level meeting held in Abidjan, the African Energy Chamber (AEC) and officials from Côte d'Ivoire's Ministry of Mines, Petroleum and Energy reviewed ongoing upstream development projects and discussed strategies to attract more investment into the country's offshore sector.

At the heart of Côte d'Ivoire's growth prospects is the Baleine field development project, operated by Eni in partnership with Petroci and Vitol. The third phase of development is expected to boost production to approximately 150,000 barrels per day, while continuing to supply associated natural gas to the domestic power market.

Officials also highlighted upcoming drilling activities in the country’s offshore blocks. VAALCO Energy and its partner CNR International are preparing to launch new drilling operations in the CI 40 block as part of a broader redevelopment and production optimisation programme.

Murphy Oil is also continuing its exploration plans offshore Côte d’Ivoire, including a multi well drilling campaign targeting the Civette, Caracal and Bubale prospects. The country has also attracted fresh interest from international operators such as Petrobras, which recently secured several offshore exploration blocks.

NJ Ayuk, Executive Chairman of the African Energy Chamber, said that the upstream sector in Côte d’Ivoire is not showing incremental progress but a clear acceleration in momentum; with major projects advancing, new exploration entering the scene and financing frameworks taking shape, the country is positioning itself as one of Africa’s most attractive energy investment destinations.

The discussions also covered progress on the establishment of the Africa Energy Bank, an initiative aimed at improving access to financing for energy projects across Africa. According to participants, efforts to operationalise the institution continue, with the goal of supporting both public and private sector investment in the continent’s oil and gas development.

In addition to upstream growth, stakeholders reviewed plans to expand refining capacity and strengthen local participation in the energy value chain, including through greater support for local service companies and workforce development programmes.

The latest developments underscore Côte d’Ivoire’s growing role as a regional hub for offshore exploration and production, as operators continue to advance new projects and expand activities across the country’s offshore basins.

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