Senegal is seeking investors for 104 oil and gas exploration blocks, Energy and Petroleum Minister El Hadji Abdourahmane Diouf said at African Energy Week in Cape Town, according to an October 15 statement by the African Energy Chamber reported by MADAR. Of the 113 blocks identified in March 2026, four are under contract and five have been assigned to Italy's Eni for preliminary studies.
Analysis: The 104 available blocks represent 92% of Senegal's revised exploration map, down from the 109 cited in September, with the difference reflecting Eni's five blocks. The scale of the offer presents opportunities for international energy companies, but investment decisions will depend on exploration data, licensing terms and commercial prospects. No formal bidding timetable, fiscal terms or new contracts have been announced, leaving potential spending on seismic surveys, drilling, logistics and related services uncertain. Banks and service providers are unlikely to see significant new business until exploration agreements are secured and investment commitments made. The MSGBC oil and gas conference, opening December 1 in Diamniadio, could provide greater clarity on licensing conditions and investor interest.
Source: Ministry of Energy and Petroleum, Minister's TV interview reported by Reuters via Offshore Engineer (10 Sep 2026), September 2026; Ministry of Energy and Petroleum, African Energy Chamber communiqué of 15 Oct 2026 on the minister's AEW 2026 presentation, as reported by MADAR (15 Oct 2026), As of 15 October 2026 and March 2026