Italian energy giant Eni has officially entered The Gambia’s upstream oil and gas industry after securing a petroleum exploration, development, and production license for the offshore Block A1 area from the Government of The Gambia.
The agreement was signed by the Minister of Energy and Petroleum, Nani Juwara, granting Eni exploration rights over approximately 1,300 square kilometres of deepwater acreage located off the Gambian coast.
Block A1 lies within the Atlantic Margin, a region that has attracted increasing interest from global energy companies following a series of significant hydrocarbon discoveries in recent years. The offshore block covers water depths ranging from 1,250 metres to 3,300 metres, placing it among the deeper frontier exploration areas in West Africa.
The award marks Eni’s first investment in The Gambia and represents a strategic expansion of the company’s exploration footprint across the West African region.
In a statement, Eni said the acquisition aligns with its exploration strategy of building a diversified portfolio that includes established hydrocarbon basins, emerging opportunities, and frontier areas with high resource potential.
The company noted that Block A1 occupies a relatively underexplored section of the Atlantic Margin but has already demonstrated indications of hydrocarbon presence, offering promising prospects for future exploration activities.
The agreement is expected to strengthen The Gambia’s efforts to attract international investment into its energy sector as the country continues to assess the commercial potential of its offshore resources. Industry observers believe Eni’s entry could boost confidence in The Gambia’s petroleum industry and encourage further exploration activities by other global operators.
The Gambian government has repeatedly emphasised the importance of responsible resource development to support economic growth, job creation, and long-term energy security. The addition of a major international operator such as Eni is viewed as a significant milestone in the country’s ambition to unlock the potential of its offshore hydrocarbon reserves.
As exploration activities advance, stakeholders will closely monitor developments in Block A1, which could play a key role in shaping the future of The Gambia’s emerging oil and gas sector.
