Sierra Leone opens up most of offshore to explorers
A new government has brought a new approach to licensing
Sierra Leone has taken the unusual step of opening up its entire offshore acreage to potential explorers. While it is being branded as a reopening of its fourth licensing round, it is actually more of a complete revamp. The fourth round was originally launched back in early 2018, when five deep and ultra-deep-water blocks covering more than 31,000 km2 were offered. However, the process was complicated by the timing of the April 2018 presidential elections, which resulted in a win for the opposition candidate, Julius Maada Bio. A rethink by the new government, plus industry interest in acreage beyond the original five licensing areas resulted in suspension of the original round and a new appr
Also in this section
21 April 2026
After overcoming a COVID-induced demand collapse with several years of successful market management, geopolitical events have conspired to provide the pact’s biggest test to date
21 April 2026
The regime’s policy of using nuclear ambiguity as a deterrent may have failed but it has realised it has other cards to play, while its neighbours are reappraising their approach to security
21 April 2026
As the global energy system undergoes a fundamental realignment, Algihaz Holdings has established itself as a critical player bridging conventional energy markets and the next generation of renewable infrastructure.
21 April 2026
The 25th WPC Energy Congress is taking place from 11-15 October 2026 at the Riyadh Front Exhibition & Conference Center.
