Cape Town, South Africa
South Africa’s Gazania development advances
Independent able to progress South African plans in contrast to Shell’s legal setbacks last year
South Africa’s Gazania-1 prospect will spud in September, AIM-listed operator Eco Atlantic confirms. Gazania-1 is around 25km off South Africa’s northern Cape, near the maritime boundary with Namibia, and has “the potential of over 300mn bl” of light oil, according to Eco Atlantic COO Colin Kinley. The drilling announcement comes around six months after a court ruling suspended Shell’s seismic survey off South Africa’s Wild Coast amid concerns over the potential impact on marine life. That decision raised concerns about the future of South Africa’s nascent offshore upstream sector, and at the time analysts suggested investors ought to take environmental and community concerns into account to
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
