President Ali Bongo Ondimba addressing the UN General Assembly in September 2017
Gabonese incentives reform pays off
An enhanced regulatory and fiscal framework appears to be attracting IOC and NOC exploration interest
Newly appointed Gabonese hydrocarbons minister Noel Mboumba will point to evidence that the recent petroleum code overhaul is rebuilding investor confidence when he embarks on a promotional drive. Houston-based West African producer Vaalco said in late August that it was expecting delivery in early September of a jack-up rig to commence a its 2019-20 drilling campaign. The firm plans to drill first an appraisal well, followed by a development well, at its Etame field, promising a further appraisal well and up to two more development wells later this year and early next. The firm also extended its lease contract for its Gabonese floating, production, storage and offloading (FPSO) vessel to S
Also in this section
12 December 2025
The latest edition of our annual Outlook publication, titled 'The shape of energy to come: Creating unique pathways and managing shifting alliances', is available now
12 December 2025
The federal government is working with Alberta to improve the country’s access to Asian markets and reduce dependence on the US, but there are challenges to their plans
11 December 2025
The removal of the ban on oil and gas exploration and an overhaul of the system sends all the right messages for energy security, affordability and sustainability
10 December 2025
The economic and environmental cost of the seven-year exploration ban will be felt long after its removal
