Mining and hydrocarbons minister Gabriel Mbaga Obiang Lima
Equatorial Guinea prepares for new era for oil
‘Drill or drop’ policy will soon result in a new set of license holders that the government hopes will kick-start the West African country’s oil industry
Equatorial Guinea will next month announce the winning bids for 27 oil and gas licences that Opec’s smallest member hopes can help arrest declining production and boost dwindling reserves and export revenues. Bids closed on September 27 for the 27 blocks—25 for exploration and two for appraisal and development—and the winners will be announced on November 27 following roadshows in Cape Town, San Antonio, London, Beijing and Equatorial Guinea’s capital, Malabo. The China roadshows reportedly attracted interest from multiple Chinese companies including Sinochem, China Gas, Beijing Gas, PetroChina, Sinoenergy and CNOOC. Drill or drop The licensing round follows a tougher government line ov
Also in this section
9 January 2026
The Latin American producer’s crude prospects rely on a multi-pronged approach where even the relatively easy wins will take considerable time, effort and cost
9 January 2026
While many forecasters are reasserting the importance of oil and gas, petrostates should be under no illusion things are changing, and faster than they might think
8 January 2026
Indonesia and Malaysia are at the dawn of breathtaking digital capabilities. Their energy infrastructure must keep up with their ambitions
8 January 2026
The next five years will be critical for the North Sea, and it will be policy not geology that will decide the basin’s future
