West Africa revival
More oil output can be expected from West Africa in 2017, even if the recovery in upstream activity will be modest
A mild recovery in West African oil will take place in 2017, offering a contrast to the region's experience in 2016. Production will rise and some firms will chase new targets in the upstream. The coming year should see a gradual revival in exploration activity offshore some of West Africa's less-explored countries. ExxonMobil plans to spud a well in Liberia before the end of 2016 or in early 2017. Offshore Côte d'Ivoire, American independent Anadarko is conducting exploration and appraisal of its Paon discovery from 2012. After a successful appraisal on Block CI-103, two more wells are to be drilled on CI-527 and 528 before the end of 2016 or in early 2017 to assess similar-aged sands. Effo
Also in this section
5 December 2025
Mistaken assumptions around an oil bull run that never happened are a warning over the talk of a supply glut
4 December 2025
Time is running out for Lukoil and Rosneft to divest international assets that will be mostly rendered useless to them when the US sanctions deadline arrives in mid-December
3 December 2025
Aramco’s pursuit of $30b in US gas partnerships marks a strategic pivot. The US gains capital and certainty; Saudi Arabia gains access, flexibility and a new export future
2 December 2025
The interplay between OPEC+, China and the US will define oil markets throughout 2026
