The shift towards an African-led upstream sector represents a “new dawn” for the continent's oil and gas industry, with SNPC and African and global NOCs at the forefront of this transformation.

SNPC has been making waves in the Republic of Congo's oil sector with its increasing participation in both onshore and offshore oil activities. Currently, SNPC holds a significant share of the Republic of Congo’s total crude production, contributing to the country’s total output, which hovers around 300,000 barrels per day. According to a recent interview with SNPC Director General Maixent Raoul Ominga, the company is actively developing several onshore fields, including Nanga I, Kouakouala II, Zingali II and Le Mayombe II. SNPC is beginning operations with the Kouakouala field –  previously operated by Eni – as well as placing a strong emphasis on the Nanga field, where it plans to drill two new wells by January 2025.

NOCs Ramp up Exploration

SNPC’s onshore activities are reflective of a larger trend in sub-Saharan Africa, where several NOCs are ramping up their exploration and production efforts. Angola’s Sonangol has been actively expanding its onshore and offshore operations to advance the country’s diversified energy ambitions, including reactivating drilling and evaluation activities in Block KON11 within the onshore Kwanza Basin and initiating geological data acquisition efforts. The Nigerian National Petroleum Company is actively exploring the inland basins of Nigeria and recently achieved a near-field discovery in a shallow offshore area of the western Niger Delta.

Outside of the continent, several international operators are investing in onshore resources and leveraging partnerships to enhance production and value retention. These efforts exemplify leadership in exploration drilling, providing valuable lessons for African NOCs seeking to scale their activities and improve operational efficiency. In 2024, Saudi Aramco has embarked on an ambitious expansion, including over 67 oil, gas and petrochemical projects as part of its plan to enhance production capacity and infrastructure. Brazil’s Petrobras is seeking to expand the country’s crude reserves and is currently exploring entry into Namibia’s deepwater Orange Basin, following its acquisition of three exploration blocks offshore São Tomé and Príncipe. African NOCs are well-positioned to emulate these approaches by prioritizing technology adoption, forming strategic partnerships and ensuring clear investment pipelines to bolster exploration drilling and broader energy goals.

Shaping Africa’s Energy Future

The growing role of SNPC in the Congolese oil and gas sector underscores the expanding influence of African NOCs on the global stage. With broadened capabilities and a focus on integrated value chains, SNPC, along with other NOCs across the continent, is setting the foundation for a more self-reliant and dynamic energy future for Africa. This "new dawn" for African NOCs is one in which countries are taking greater control over their natural resources and fostering long-term, sustainable economic development. As SNPC’s onshore activities continue to grow, the Republic of Congo stands as an example of what can be achieved when NOCs, local policies and international partnerships align to build a future of shared prosperity.