Gambia Signs Offshore Block Exploration Deal with Eni in Major Upstream Push
The agreement was signed on June 5, 2026, between the Ministry of Petroleum, Energy and Mines and Eni Gambia Ltd, a subsidiary of Eni S.p.A.. It grants the company rights to explore and potentially develop hydrocarbons in Block A1, located offshore in the Atlantic margin. According to the government, the deal followed a multi-year process coordinated by the Petroleum Commission of The Gambia, which included access to a national data room, pre-qualification under a request-for-information framework, and detailed technical and commercial negotiations.
Block A1 covers about 1,300 square kilometres in deepwater offshore territory, with water depths reaching up to 3,300 metres. Authorities say the area lies within a geologically prospective basin associated with proven hydrocarbon systems in adjacent parts of the Atlantic margin. While earlier geological and geophysical studies indicate strong exploration potential, officials noted that the resource base remains unconfirmed and will depend on the outcome of future exploration activities under the licence.
Under the terms of the agreement, the Gambian state will hold a 10 percent equity interest in the block through the Gambia National Petroleum Corporation. The interest is carried through the exploration phase, meaning the government will not bear exploration costs during this period.
Minister of Petroleum, Energy and Mines, Hon. Nani Juwara, described the agreement as a defining moment for The Gambia’s energy sector, saying it reflects growing international confidence in the country’s resource potential and investment climate. He said the government under President Adama Barrow remains committed to ensuring that exploration is conducted responsibly and in line with environmental safeguards, adding that the country is approaching the process with measured optimism as it seeks to establish the right conditions for future discoveries.
The Director General of the Petroleum Commission of The Gambia, Engr. Cany Jobe, said the agreement resulted from a structured and evidence-based licensing process that included management of the national data room, international promotion of the country’s petroleum potential, and rigorous technical and commercial negotiations. He said the development reinforces The Gambia’s position as an emerging frontier jurisdiction with a clear regulatory framework and strong geological promise, while assuring continued regulatory oversight throughout the exploration phase.
Eni, headquartered in Rome, is an integrated global energy company operating in more than 60 countries, with extensive experience in deepwater exploration across Africa, including major projects in Mozambique, Côte d’Ivoire, Nigeria, Ghana, the Republic of Congo, Angola and Namibia. The company has focused its upstream strategy on high-potential frontier basins and diversified exploration portfolios. Its local subsidiary, Eni Gambia Ltd, was incorporated specifically to undertake exploration activities in the country.
The government also acknowledged the role of the National Petroleum Negotiating Committee, which brought together representatives from the Ministry of Petroleum, the Petroleum Commission, the Gambia National Petroleum Corporation, the Geological Department, the Office of the President, the Ministry of Finance and Economic Affairs, environmental regulators, revenue authorities, maritime authorities, and investment agencies, all of whom contributed to the negotiation process.
Officials believe the agreement positions The Gambia as a frontier destination for upstream petroleum investment, though commercial outcomes will depend on the results of ongoing and future exploration activities under the licence.
