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
2 April 2026
The government is taking important steps to revive domestic production, lift investment and benefit from the geopolitical crisis even if more needs to be done in the longer term
1 April 2026
Golden Pass’s startup offers QatarEnergy a timely boost but may also force a difficult choice between honouring disrupted contracts and capitalising on soaring spot LNG prices
1 April 2026
It is not a case of if or when, but the length and magnitude of economic damage from elevated oil prices
1 April 2026
The US-Iran conflict demonstrates the need for diversification in several senses of the word. It also exposes the limits of Washington applying pressure on major oil and gas producers it considers geopolitical adversaries
