Senegal’s state-owned oil company, Petrosen, plans to roll out a $100 million onshore oil and gas exploration program this year, targeting crude discoveries in the nation’s onshore fields. The initiative follows recent regulatory reforms and the cancellation of licenses from operators who have made minimal or no progress.
Senegal is rapidly emerging as a notable player in the oil and gas sector, with large offshore projects such as the BP-led Greater Tortue Ahmeyim field and Woodside Energy Group’s Sangomar project fueling its growth.
To build on these achievements, the country is investing $100 million to accelerate exploration of its onshore oil and gas resources. This initiative is expected to increase production capacity and strengthen Senegal’s position in the global energy market.
Although the nation’s proven oil reserves are relatively modest, around 1.03 billion barrels, offshore fields like Greater Tortue Ahmeyim and Sangomar are projected to substantially enhance output. In addition, Senegal possesses significant natural gas reserves, estimated at 450 billion cubic feet, which are central to its ambitions in the international LNG market. These developments collectively underscore Senegal’s growing role in both the oil and gas sectors.
Petrosen’s Onshore Exploration Drive
Petrosen is directing its efforts toward onshore exploration to tap into the country’s largely untapped resources. CEO Alioune Gueye emphasized the company’s commitment: “We are investing at least $100 million to jump-start that exploration. Since we have discoveries offshore, it begs to reason that we also have the same potential onshore.”
BP’s Exit and Continuing Presence
Petrosen’s initiative follows BP’s 2023 departure from the Yakaar-Teranga natural gas field after disagreements with the Senegalese government over gas export plans. While BP sought to export gas, Senegal prioritized domestic use to support its gas-to-power program, aimed at lowering fuel costs and expanding electrification. BP left the project without compensation, and Kosmos Energy subsequently increased its stake from 30% to 90%.
Despite this exit, BP continues operations in Senegal, focusing primarily on the Greater Tortue Ahmeyim offshore gas project. In early 2025, BP exported its first LNG shipment from GTA, while Woodside began oil production at Sangomar in 2024, despite earlier delays in both projects.
Strategic Objectives for Senegal’s Energy Sector
Gueye expressed optimism regarding the potential of Senegal’s onshore fields, stating, “Our hope is by the end of the year to have some major find in our onshore basin.” The government aims to fast-track onshore development to strengthen the energy sector and support economic growth. This follows the revocation of licenses from operators like Oranto, which failed to progress with seismic surveys or drilling despite extended deadlines, according to Energy Minister Birame Souleye Diop.
The $100 million onshore initiative underscores Senegal’s commitment to diversifying its energy portfolio and leveraging untapped resources to drive national development.