Gambia Secures Landmark Exploration Deal with Eni for Offshore Block A1
On June 5, 2026, the Government of the Gambia signed a Petroleum Exploration, Development and Production License Agreement (PEPLA) with Eni Gambia Ltd, the local subsidiary of Italian energy company Eni SpA. The agreement grants Eni Gambia Ltd exclusive rights to explore offshore Block A1, a 1,300 square‑kilometre deep‑water area located on the Atlantic margin of the country.
Block A1 – Technical Overview
Block A1 covers approximately 1,300 km² of seabed with water depths ranging from 200 metres to a maximum of 3,300 metres. Geological surveys indicate that the block lies within a province that hosts several proven hydrocarbon discoveries in neighbouring West African basins, suggesting comparable source rock maturity and reservoir potential.
The Gambian State will retain a 10 % carried interest in the block during the exploration phase. This interest will be represented by the Gambia National Petroleum Corporation (GNPC), ensuring that the nation benefits directly from any future discoveries while minimizing upfront fiscal exposure.
Licensing Process and Governance
The award followed a multi‑year, evidence‑based procedure managed by the Petroleum Commission of the Gambia. Key steps included:
- Opening a national data room for prospective investors to review seismic, well, and geological information.
- Issuing a formal information request to pre‑qualify companies based on technical capability and financial standing.
- Conducting extensive technical and commercial negotiations to align fiscal terms, environmental safeguards, and local content requirements.
This structured approach aims to provide a transparent and competitive framework, reinforcing investor confidence while upholding national interests.
Official Statements
Hon. Nani Juwara, Minister of Petroleum, Energy and Mines, highlighted the agreement’s significance:
“The signing of this petroleum exploration, development and production license agreement with Eni is a proud and pivotal moment for the Gambia’s energy sector. It reflects the confidence that a world‑class operator has placed in the resource potential of our country and in the credibility of our investment climate. The government under the leadership of His Excellency Adama Barrow is committed to ensuring that every step of this exploration journey is carried out with environmental responsibility and in line with the long‑term interests of the Gambian people.”
Engr. Cany Jobe, Director General of the Petroleum Commission, added:
“The signing of Block A1 PEPLA with Eni is the result of a deliberate, evidence‑based and institution‑led licensing process. Through the management of the national data space, the international promotion of The Gambia’s petroleum potential, pre‑qualification processes and technical negotiations, the Petroleum Commission has ensured a credible and competitive framework. We look forward to working with Eni as they begin exploration, while maintaining strict regulatory oversight at every stage.”
Strategic Implications for the Gambia
Analysts note that the agreement positions the Gambia as an emerging frontier province in West Africa’s deep‑water exploration landscape. By partnering with a major integrated oil and gas company, the country gains access to advanced seismic imaging, drilling technology, and risk‑management practices that are essential for ultra‑deep environments.
The 10 % carried interest allows the Gambia to build technical capacity within GNPC without bearing the full financial burden of early‑stage exploration. Should commercial hydrocarbons be discovered, the state’s equity stake would translate into direct revenue streams, supporting national development goals outlined in the country’s Vision 2030 plan.
Environmental and Social Considerations
Both the Petroleum Commission and Eni have emphasized that the exploration program will adhere to international environmental standards, including the International Finance Corporation’s Performance Principles and the Gambia’s own Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) requirements. Baseline marine surveys, oil‑spill response planning, and community engagement initiatives are slated to precede any seismic or drilling activities.
Outlook
With the PEPLA now in effect, Eni Gambia Ltd is expected to commence preliminary geological and geophysical surveys later in 2026. The timeline for moving from exploration to potential development will depend on the outcomes of these studies, market conditions, and the continued alignment of regulatory and stakeholder expectations.
For readers interested in tracking progress, official updates will be published by the Petroleum Commission of the Gambia (Petroleum Commission Press Release) and Eni’s corporate newsroom (Eni Press Release).
