Vaalco eyes West African opportunities
The independent US explorer has expanded in Gabon and is looking elsewhere in the region
Houston-based independent Vaalco sees growing opportunity in West Africa as the oil majors trim their portfolios, chief executive George Maxwell tells Petroleum Economist. Vaalco recently almost doubled its stake in Gabon’s Etame field to 58.8pc by acquiring the interest of its former partner, South African energy and petrochemicals company Sasol. That acquisition took the company “to the next level”, Maxwell says, as Etame serves as a stable, secure and cash-generative base for further expansion. Vaalco CEO George Maxwell The firm is “looking to find highly accretive opportunities” for further growth, Maxwell says, with interest “prima
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






