Energy major Eni has expanded its African exploration footprint with two major hydrocarbon discoveries in Ivory Coast and Angola, reinforcing its strategy of combining frontier exploration with near-field reserve growth.
The company confirmed the Calao South discovery after successfully drilling the Murene South-1X well in Block CI-501 offshore Ivory Coast. Through its Angolan joint venture Azule Energy, Eni also announced a significant oil find at the Algaita-01 well in Block 15/06 in Angola’s Lower Congo Basin.
The twin discoveries highlight what industry observers describe as a deliberate dual-track strategy: opening new hydrocarbon frontiers while strengthening output around existing production hubs.
Ivory Coast: Calao South Discovery
The Calao South discovery is estimated to hold approximately 5 trillion cubic feet of gas and 450 million barrels of condensate. Drilled in water depths of about 5,000 meters, the well encountered high-quality Cenomanian sands with strong reservoir characteristics. A drill stem test is planned to assess production capacity.
The find complements development of the Baleine Field, also operated by Eni, which is currently producing over 62,000 barrels of oil per day and more than 75 million cubic feet of gas per day from its first two phases. Phase 3 aims to increase output to 150,000 barrels of oil per day and 200 million cubic feet of gas per day, positioning Ivory Coast to strengthen domestic power supply and boost exports.
Angola: Near-Field Growth
In Angola, the Algaita-01 well encountered oil-bearing sandstones across multiple Upper Miocene intervals. Initial resource estimates are around 500 million barrels of oil.
The well was drilled in 667 meters of water using the Saipem 12000 drillship and is located near the Olombendo FPSO, existing infrastructure that could accelerate development and reduce capital costs. The discovery further underpins Block 15/06 as one of Angola’s key producing assets and supports efforts to sustain national output above one million barrels per day.
Broader African Strategy
Eni’s latest successes come amid broader expansion plans across Africa. The company has signaled plans to invest up to €24 billion over the next four years in North African markets, including Algeria, Libya and Egypt, alongside advancing LNG projects such as Congo LNG and Coral North.
The African Energy Chamber welcomed the discoveries, describing them as strategic milestones for the continent’s energy security and industrial development.
Industry analysts say the combined impact of the Ivory Coast and Angola discoveries could catalyze renewed upstream momentum at a time when global energy investment remains highly selective.
The developments underscore Africa’s continued relevance in global oil and gas markets, as international operators balance energy transition pressures with sustained demand for hydrocarbons.
