Sénégal, Eni: Accord pour Étude de 5 Blocs Offshore

• Sénégal and Eni signed a protocol to study five offshore blocks (SN01M, SN02M, SN03M, SN07M, SN40M) on the sidelines of Gastech 2026.
• Eni will fully fund a technical analysis program to assess geological, geophysical, and hydrocarbon potential of these areas.
• This protocol is a study agreement and does not grant any exploration or exploitation rights; future steps require adherence to Senegalese legal procedures.
• The agreement is part of Sénégal's strategy to revive oil and gas exploration, following an audit that opened 109 blocks to investors.
• PETROSEN will participate as a technical partner, and the initiative aims to enhance the attractiveness of Sénégal's sedimentary basin for new upstream investments.

Crucially, the protocol signed between Sénégal and Eni is explicitly defined as neither an oil contract nor an attribution of title for exploration or exploitation rights.

Sénégal is actively pursuing a revitalization of its oil and gas exploration sector, a strategic move underscored by a recent agreement with the Italian energy giant Eni. The two parties formalized a protocol dedicated to the in-depth study of five specific offshore blocks: SN01M, SN02M, SN03M, SN07M, and SN40M. This significant development occurred on the sidelines of the Gastech 2026 event, with representatives from Sénégal's Ministry of Energy and Petroleum and Eni signing the preliminary accord.

Under the terms of this protocol, Eni will assume full responsibility for financing a comprehensive technical analysis program. This initiative aims to meticulously define the geological and geophysical characteristics of the designated areas. The scope of work includes a thorough examination of both 2D and 3D seismic data, the integration of information derived from existing wells, and a detailed assessment of the hydrocarbon potential within these `blocs offshore Sénégal Eni`. Furthermore, the collaboration will foster expert meetings, specialized workshops, and activities designed for knowledge transfer, all contributing to a deeper understanding of Sénégal's subsea resources.

This collaborative effort forms a crucial part of Sénégal's broader strategy to enhance the value of its extensive, largely untapped offshore domain. The nation possesses a total of 113 blocks, with only four currently operating under existing contracts. Following the announcement of an `audit contrats pétroliers Sénégal` and gas contracts, a substantial 109 blocks were subsequently opened to potential investors, highlighting the country's commitment to attracting new capital and expertise. The attractiveness of the sedimentary basin and the quality of available data are now central pillars of Sénégal's evolving energy strategy.

Crucially, the protocol signed between Sénégal and Eni is explicitly defined as neither an oil contract nor an attribution of title for exploration or exploitation rights. This distinction is vital, as any subsequent steps or potential progression to full contractual agreements will be strictly subject to the established procedures and validations mandated by Senegalese legislation. This adherence to legal process ensures transparency and compliance. The national oil company, PETROSEN, is also slated to participate in this framework, serving in a key capacity as a `PETROSEN partenariat technique`.

For Senegalese authorities, this initiative is expected to significantly bolster the appeal of the country's sedimentary basin, thereby stimulating the search for fresh investments in the upstream oil sector. Dr. El Hadji Abdourahmane Diouf, the Minister of Energy and Petroleum, underscored that this signing effectively re-establishes exploration as a core component of the nation's oil strategy. He further emphasized the imperative to deepen understanding of national resources and to strengthen the capabilities of the national energy company.

The `Sénégal Eni étude cinq blocs offshore` represents a tangible step in the country's renewed drive for `Sénégal exploration pétrolière gazière`. By undertaking this detailed technical study, Sénégal aims to provide prospective investors with enhanced data and a clearer picture of the potential within these open blocks. The involvement of a major international player like Eni, particularly in a non-committal study phase, signals a cautious yet proactive approach to unlocking the country's hydrocarbon wealth, while maintaining strict regulatory oversight for any future development.

Lawyers advising energy companies should note that this agreement with Eni is a preliminary study and does not grant exploration or exploitation rights, emphasizing that all future steps will require adherence to existing Senegalese legal procedures for title attribution. This signals renewed activity in Senegal's open offshore blocks, requiring vigilance for upcoming tender processes or regulatory changes.

Source: Original reporting via Le 360 Afrique