Petrobras Expands West African Footprint with Eight Offshore Blocks in Côte d’Ivoire

Brazilian energy major Petrobras is set to significantly strengthen its presence in West Africa after advancing production sharing contracts for eight offshore exploration blocks in Côte d’Ivoire, a move widely viewed as a vote of confidence in the region’s upstream potential.

The agreements, which have been welcomed by the African Energy Chamber (AEC), cover approximately 63,000 square kilometres of offshore acreage across a range of geological settings, from shallow-water prospects to ultra-deepwater zones exceeding 4,000 metres. The scale of the portfolio offers considerable exploration opportunities and underscores growing industry interest in Côte d’Ivoire’s evolving hydrocarbon sector.

The country has emerged as one of the continent’s most closely watched exploration destinations following a series of significant offshore discoveries. The Baleine field, the largest hydrocarbon discovery in the nation’s history, and the more recent Calao find have demonstrated the commercial viability of Côte d’Ivoire’s offshore basins and strengthened its position within the Gulf of Guinea’s upstream landscape.

Government reforms have also played a central role in attracting international investment. Updated petroleum legislation, more competitive fiscal frameworks and a proactive licensing strategy have helped create a favourable environment for exploration and development activities. Authorities have intensified efforts to accelerate resource development, with nearly three-quarters of the country’s sedimentary basins expected to be under licence in the near future.

Petrobras’ latest commitments build on its earlier expression of interest in nine offshore blocks announced last year. The contracts currently progressing include blocks CI-513, CI-600, CI-601, CI-602, CI-603, CI-605, CI-701 and CI-702.

Once finalised, the agreements will substantially expand the area under active exploration and further diversify Côte d’Ivoire’s upstream portfolio. For Petrobras, the move represents a strategic expansion into a region that is increasingly attracting global operators seeking high-impact exploration opportunities and long-term resource growth.

As exploration activity gathers pace, Côte d’Ivoire is positioning itself as one of West Africa’s most promising frontiers for offshore oil and gas investment, with new entrants and established operators alike seeking exposure to the country’s growing resource potential.