Gabon is re-emerging as a major destination for global oil and gas investment, as renewed exploration activity and the return of international energy companies signal a strong offshore revival ahead of the Invest in African Energy Forum 2026. The country’s growing momentum will be a central focus at the forum, scheduled for April 22–23 in Paris, where the Minister of Petroleum and Gas is expected to outline the government’s strategy to attract investment and accelerate upstream development.
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A key indicator of this renewed interest came in late 2025, when ExxonMobil signed a memorandum of understanding with the government to evaluate deepwater and ultra-deepwater blocks, marking its return to Central Africa. Shortly afterward, bp followed with a similar agreement targeting the same frontier acreage.
These moves coincide with plans to launch new offshore licensing rounds in 2026, covering a significant portion of Gabon’s unexplored offshore resources. Officials estimate that nearly 70 percent of the country’s offshore acreage remains open, offering substantial opportunities for exploration and development.
Early results from ongoing exploration efforts are already reinforcing investor confidence. In March 2026, Assala Energy reported a hydrocarbon discovery at its Magoga-A well, with initial data indicating commercially promising reserves within the Gamba Sandstone formation.
Further offshore, ReconAfrica is advancing seismic reprocessing activities across the Ngulu block, where multiple prospects have been identified. The company aims to move several targets to drilling readiness before the end of the year.
Production activity is also gaining pace. VAALCO Energy launched a new drilling phase at the Etame Marin block, with early wells already contributing to output. The campaign is expected to significantly increase production levels, targeting between 20,000 and 23,000 barrels per day as development progresses.
For investors, Gabon offers a combination of frontier exploration opportunities and lower-risk near-field developments. Existing infrastructure, including pipelines, offshore platforms and floating production units, helps reduce capital costs while enabling faster project timelines.
The government has also stepped up international engagement efforts. Earlier this year, officials traveled to the United States to present investment opportunities directly to policymakers and industry stakeholders, underscoring Gabon’s commitment to attracting foreign capital and strengthening partnerships.
As exploration intensifies and new discoveries emerge, Gabon is positioning itself as a strategic player in Central Africa’s energy landscape, offering both immediate production potential and long-term growth prospects for global investors.
