In a significant move for the nation’s energy sector, the Government of Sierra Leone has signed a reconnaissance agreement with Italian energy giant Eni S.p.A., marking a strong vote of confidence in the country’s offshore potential.
The agreement, signed on Thursday, allows Eni to conduct detailed studies and technical surveys across five offshore blocks G113, G129, G130, G131, and G132 covering approximately 6,790 km² within Sierra Leone’s territorial waters.
This partnership is seen as a major milestone for President Julius Maada Bio’s administration, which has focused on improving governance and attracting foreign investment to the extractive industries.
The deal signals growing international interest in Sierra Leone’s offshore basin, which government estimates suggest could hold over 30 billion barrels of oil, with 15-20 billion barrels considered technically recoverable.
Foday Mansaray, Director General of the Petroleum Directorate, hailed the agreement. “Thanks to President Bio’s leadership, Sierra Leone is moving into a new chapter of upstream development,” he stated. “Securing interest from a global supermajor is a significant achievement for a frontier market.”
The African Energy Chamber welcomed the move, calling it a “pivotal moment” for the country’s energy sector. Eni’s entry is expected to attract further attention from other global energy companies looking for high-potential opportunities in West Africa. Officials expressed hope that the studies will lead to drilling by next year, advancing Sierra Leone’s long-term goal of becoming a net energy exporter.
