Guinea-Conakry, which is renowned among the world’s top bauxite exporters, is all set to script its new journey as a key player of West Africa’s emerging oil and gas landscape.
Geologically, the nation sits within the MSGBC Basin (Mauritania, Senegal, Gambia, Guinea-Bissau and Guinea-Conakry), which is significantly emerging as a leading frontier for its untapped hydrocarbon reserves. As a result, Guinea is attracting interest from global investors.
Regional momentum in energy development
Neighbouring countries, Senegal and Mauritania, have already made strong progress in crude production in June 2024 from Woodside’s Sangomar field. Both nations commenced gas output later that year through bp and Kosmos Energy’s Greater Tortue Ahmeyim project.
As these developments reshape the regional energy map, Guinea is advancing its regulatory framework, conducting fresh seismic surveys, and courting international investors eager to be part of the next phase of exploration in the basin.
Also read: Guinea’s bauxite journey: From discovery to global dominance
Geological potential comparable to Guyana and Suriname
Geologists note promising similarities between Guinea’s offshore formations and the productive oil provinces of Guyana and Suriname. The country’s Cretaceous formations, marine source rocks, and structural traps share striking similarities with those that have already yielded more than 10 billion barrels of oil in South America.
Guinea has accumulated an impressive dataset, including 2D and 3D seismic surveys covering 17,000 km² and a wealth of historical borehole information. These resources are considered equivalent to the early-stage exploration data that propelled Guyana and Suriname into the global energy spotlight.
SONAP leads the charge in energy development
SONAP plays the key role in Guinea’s energy drive. Established in 2021 and led by Dr Lanciné Condé, it has strengthened technical capacity with advanced tools for topographic mapping, gas detection and field analysis.
SONAP has also launched the country’s first seismic data visualisation centre in partnership with SLB and TGS. This facility delivers 15,000 km² of 3D and 45,000 km² of 2D seismic data to support investors.
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Guinea makes significant efforts to attract global investment
SONAP has introduced key reforms to position Guinea as a strong contender in West Africa’s oil and gas landscape. A national petroleum cadastre has been launched, mapping 22 exploration blocks for the upcoming bidding round.
Earlier this year in April, SONAP launched two tenders, first to build up a product and storage management platform, and another to gain ISO 9001 and ISO 45001 certifications for quality and safety.
According to the available seismic and geological records, Guinea offers lower exploration risks and reduced entry costs. Early investors in the upcoming licensing round are expected to reap massive benefits in fiscal terms.
Guinea’s emerging energy prospects will be highlighted at the MSGBC Oil, Gas & Power 2025 Conference in Dakar on 9th and 10 December. The event will give investors a direct opportunity to connect with SONAP, review open blocks and assess the country’s growing hydrocarbon potential.
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