TotalEnergies announced a $600 million plan for the Moho Nord field in 2024. What activities have been undertaken and are currently underway as part of this investment strategy?

In Congo, we have concentrated our efforts on deepwater projects within the Moho field and its permit area. Last year, we deployed two deepwater drilling rigs - one dedicated to drilling in Moho and the other for exploration in the Marine permit. While the exploration phase concluded last year, drilling operations in Moho are ongoing. So far, we have completed two wells, with production steadily increasing. We are currently drilling the third well, which will be followed by a fourth. Beyond these, there is additional exploration potential within the Moho permit. Earlier this year, we finalized a deal with Trident Energy, selling our stake in the Nkossa and Nsoko II fields while acquiring an additional 10% interest in the Moho permit. As a result, our ownership in Moho has increased to 63.5%.

What other projects is TotalEnergies prioritizing to drive Congo’s agenda to boost oil production to 500,000 barrels and to maximize natural gas potential? How is the firm also contributing to the development of Congo’s oil and gas midstream and downstream sectors?

Currently, we are primarily an oil producer rather than a gas producer. With Moho being an oil field, there are no immediate developments on the gas front. We are closely observing initiatives like Eni’s FLNG project and other companies’ efforts in the gas sector, which are promising.

We are the leading hydrocarbon producer in the country and the top distributor of petroleum products, operating 50 service stations and holding a 40% market share. This makes Congo a strategically important country for us, not only in upstream operations but also in downstream activities. Additionally, as part of our energy transition strategy, we are exploring opportunities in renewable energy to diversify our portfolio.

How is TotalEnergies applying its experience and key learnings from Congo to support the growth of other African energy markets?

We operate two ships in Congo, four in Angola and two in Nigeria, while also exploring new development opportunities in countries like Namibia. The expertise we have gained from operating in Congo and other West African nations provides valuable insights that we can apply to future projects across Africa. With 56 years of presence in Congo, we have built extensive technical and commercial experience. Our local Congolese workforce plays a key role in knowledge transfer, with many staff members contributing their expertise across different company affiliates.

What is TotalEnergies’ key message and take ways at CEIF 2025?

Minister Itoua’s speech reinforced that Congo is open for business. He emphasized a competitive fiscal framework, a stable legal and regulatory environment, and efforts to streamline processes. If these initiatives are successfully implemented, Congo can remain competitive in attracting investment, as capital is highly mobile and can flow to various regions, including Nigeria, Europe, and the U.S. Given the long investment cycle - where it takes years to recover costs - stability is crucial. With the right conditions in place, we are prepared to invest in Congo in the years ahead.