Senegal: Eni will assess five offshore blocks without receiving exploration rights

Senegal and Italian group Eni have signed a memorandum of understanding to assess the oil and gas potential of five offshore blocks. Concluded on the sidelines of Gastech 2026, the agreement covers geological and geophysical studies in SN01M, SN02M, SN03M, SN07M and SN40M. The Energy Ministry clarified that the memorandum is neither a petroleum contract nor the award of an exploration or production licence.

This distinction is central to understanding the announcement. Eni will contribute technical studies to improve knowledge of areas in Senegal’s sedimentary basin. Results could inform future decisions on promoting or awarding blocks. At this stage, the group does not automatically acquire drilling or production rights. Procedures under the petroleum code remain necessary for any subsequent award.

The five selected blocks cover several maritime areas: Saint-Louis Offshore Shallow, Cayar Offshore Shallow, Rufisque Offshore, Saint-Louis Offshore Profond and Sénégal Offshore Sud Profond. Their diversity allows comparison of nearshore and deeper areas. Each has distinct geological profiles, specific technical requirements and different potential costs. Preliminary studies can help rank prospects and determine whether more advanced work is justified.

A memorandum separate from exploration rights

The agreement reflects a desire to revive exploration in Senegal’s basin, which already includes producing fields and gas discoveries. Sangomar and Grand Tortue Ahmeyim have placed the country among the region’s new producers. This increases operators’ interest in additional resources, but does not mean the studied blocks contain commercial volumes. Technical prospecting is intended to reduce this uncertainty before heavier drilling expenditure.

The ministry also ruled out any connection between the memorandum and the Yakaar and Teranga discoveries. These resources are now associated with block SN08M under the new petroleum area delineation. The clarification followed social media posts presenting the agreement as covering those assets. By clearly separating the scope, authorities seek to prevent confusion over the rights concerned and those discoveries’ future.

This clarification shows that communicating energy agreements can have political consequences. In a country where resource governance is closely scrutinised, a partnership announcement with a foreign major raises questions about sovereignty, access conditions and revenue sharing. Complete information on the document’s nature, scope and limits helps distinguish exploratory studies from a transfer of rights or production contract.

According to the information released, Eni will finance the studies at its own expense, while national company PETROSEN will be involved in assessment. Cooperation can strengthen public skills in geosciences, data interpretation and negotiation. For lasting benefits, knowledge transfer must be part of the programme: sharing methods, data access, team training and PETROSEN’s ability to analyse results independently.

Next steps in awards and assessment

The state must then decide how to proceed. If studies reveal potential, blocks could enter a tender or another procedure permitted by regulation. Criteria must consider the work programme, technical experience, financial commitments, local benefits and environmental guarantees. An assessment memorandum does not predetermine the final decision and must not be interpreted as a promise to award blocks to the study partner.

Environmental issues are particularly important offshore. Any possible drilling phase will require assessments, permits and response plans suited to marine and coastal risks. Fishing, ecosystems and coastal communities must be considered from the earliest studies so geological information is not separated from potential impact analysis.

Concrete results will be measured through data publication and clear next steps. Senegal can use the partnership to deepen knowledge of its subsurface while retaining control over the award process. For Eni, it offers technical access to new areas and an opportunity to assess potential. For the state, the challenge is turning studies into transparent decisions without confusing geological interest with a commercial discovery.

PETROSEN’s presence can also strengthen national negotiating capacity when new blocks are potentially offered. Data access, understanding geological risks and cost expertise give authorities a stronger basis for comparing bids. This institutional value nevertheless depends on retaining and disseminating data after the memorandum ends. More complete basin mapping can benefit the entire sector if access arrangements are defined in advance.