Côte d’Ivoire Reaches a New Milestone in the Development of Its Energy Resources

Côte d’Ivoire has taken a significant step forward in the development of its energy resources.

The Italian oil group Eni, in partnership with PETROCI Holding, has announced a major hydrocarbon discovery in the country’s sedimentary basin.

The new field, named CALAO South, was discovered in early February 2026 on offshore block CI-501. The discovery follows the drilling of the Murène South-1X exploration well, which reached a total depth of 5,058 meters.

Located approximately eight kilometers southwest of the Murène-1X well on block CI-205, the drilling confirmed the presence of light crude oil, natural gas, and condensates, highlighting the economic and strategic importance of the area.

According to preliminary technical assessments, the identified resources across blocks CI-501 and CI-205 are estimated at around 1.4 billion barrels of oil equivalent. This volume significantly strengthens Côte d’Ivoire’s position among emerging hydrocarbon producers in West Africa, at a time when regional energy demand continues to grow.

For the Ivorian Ministry of Mines, Petroleum and Energy, the discovery represents a major lever for national energy security. It notably reinforces the country’s natural gas potential, a key resource for electricity generation and economic growth. The development of these resources is also seen as a catalyst for industrialization, local value addition, and improved access to energy across the country.

This new development aligns with the national strategy to sustainably leverage natural resources, with the objective of enhancing the country’s attractiveness to international investors while supporting the structural transformation of the economy. If ongoing evaluation and development phases confirm current estimates, the CALAO South project could become one of the cornerstone projects of Côte d’Ivoire’s oil and gas sector over the next decade.