Sierra Leone’s capital, Freetown
Sierra Leone hopes to kickstart upstream
One of West Africa’s last frontiers aims to join the ranks of regional hydrocarbons producers
Sierra Leone’s decision to push the deadline for bids under its fifth licensing round back to 27 January from the previous date of 30 September was motivated by “increased interest from international and national oil companies” as a result of high oil prices, according to regulator PDSL. An improved price environment has “created exploration funding for companies that were unable to raise the needed capital for frontier exploration”, the regulator says, adding the extra time will allow those firms to complete their geological and geophysical analysis and to review the existing seismic data, which includes 11,000km² of 3D assessments. The fifth round comprises 63,643km² of open acreage, split
Also in this section
23 January 2026
A strategic pivot away from Russian crude in recent weeks tees up the possibility of improved US-India trade relations
23 January 2026
The signing of a deal with a TotalEnergies-led consortium to explore for gas in a block adjoining Israel’s maritime area may breathe new life into the country’s gas ambitions
22 January 2026
As Saudi Arabia pushes mining as a new pillar of its economy, Saudi Aramco is positioning itself at the intersection of hydrocarbons, minerals and industrial policy
22 January 2026
New long-term deal is latest addition to country’s rapidly evolving supply portfolio as it eyes role as regional gas hub
