Why is Block A1 considered highly prospective for oil and gas?

Block A1 is located in the southern extension of the highly prolific MSGBC basin, directly adjacent to Senegalese waters where billions of barrels of oil equivalent have already been discovered. The geological structures in Block A1 share similar characteristics with the Sangomar oil field, making it a prime target for liquid-rich hydrocarbon discoveries.

What happened to the previous operator of Block A1?

The block was previously held by African Petroleum, but the Gambian government revoked the license in 2017, claiming the company had failed to meet its drilling commitments. A formal dispute was lodged at the International Centre for Settlement of Investment Disputes (ICSID), but the government proceeded to re-license the block to Eni after declaring the area open.

How does this deal fit into Eni's broader African strategy?

Eni is already the leading international fuel producer in Africa, with massive footprints in Egypt, Algeria, Angola, and Mozambique. Acquiring Block A1 allows Eni to diversify its West African portfolio into a frontier region, balancing its mature producing assets with high-reward exploration acreage.

Offshore Technology · June 8, 2026 (Jun 8) · 1 min read

Eni wins licence to explore offshore Block A1 in Gambia

ENI S.p.A.

Analysis

AI-assisted analysis · reviewed by Yuri Kan

Italian energy major Eni has secured the exploration rights for Block A1 in offshore Gambia, marking a strategic expansion of its West African footprint. This acquisition allows Eni to leverage its deepwater expertise in a frontier basin that has garnered significant industry attention following major discoveries in neighboring Senegal and Mauritania. The entry of a supermajor of Eni's caliber underscores the rising geopolitical and commercial value of the MSGBC (Mauritania-Senegal-Gambia-Bissau-Conakry) basin.

Key Facts

Eni has officially signed an exploration license agreement with the government of the Republic of Gambia for offshore Block A1.
Block A1 was previously held by African Petroleum, which had its license revoked by the Gambian government, leading to a protracted legal dispute before being re-awarded.
The block covers an area of approximately 2,672 square kilometers in water depths ranging from 1,000 to 3,000 meters.
Under the terms of the agreement, Eni will serve as the operator of the block with a majority working interest.
The initial exploration phase includes commitment to perform 3D seismic acquisition and drill at least one exploratory well.
This deal represents Gambia's strategic push to revitalize its upstream sector after years of regulatory delays and licensing stagnation.

Background & Context

The MSGBC basin has become one of Africa's hottest exploration plays following massive gas discoveries like Greater Tortue Ahmeyim by BP and Kosmos, as well as Woodside's Sangomar oil field in Senegal. Gambia, nestled geographically inside Senegal, has long sought to replicate its neighbor's offshore success but has been held back by legal disputes over block ownership and limited exploration capital. The resolution of the Block A1 dispute and its subsequent award to Eni represents a major regulatory milestone for the Gambian Ministry of Petroleum and Energy.

Market Impact

For Eni, this acquisition aligns with its strategy of securing low-cost, high-prospectivity exploration acreage in frontier basins where it can deploy its fast-track exploration-to-production model. For Gambia, securing a partner with Eni's financial clout and technical capability drastically increases the probability of a commercial discovery, which could transform the nation's economy. The entry of Eni will likely trigger renewed interest from other international oil companies (IOCs) in Gambia's remaining unlicensed offshore blocks, driving up competitive bidding in future licensing rounds.

What to Watch

The immediate next steps will involve Eni conducting environmental impact assessments and reprocessing existing 2D and 3D seismic data to identify high-potential drilling targets. Industry observers should watch for the announcement of a definitive drilling timeline, with an exploratory well expected within the next 24 to 36 months. Additionally, any farm-out agreements where Eni might bring in a joint-venture partner to share exploration costs will be a key milestone to monitor.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is Block A1 considered highly prospective for oil and gas?: Block A1 is located in the southern extension of the highly prolific MSGBC basin, directly adjacent to Senegalese waters where billions of barrels of oil equivalent have already been discovered. The geological structures in Block A1 share similar characteristics with the Sangomar oil field, making it a prime target for liquid-rich hydrocarbon discoveries.
What happened to the previous operator of Block A1?: The block was previously held by African Petroleum, but the Gambian government revoked the license in 2017, claiming the company had failed to meet its drilling commitments. A formal dispute was lodged at the International Centre for Settlement of Investment Disputes (ICSID), but the government proceeded to re-license the block to Eni after declaring the area open.
How does this deal fit into Eni's broader African strategy?: Eni is already the leading international fuel producer in Africa, with massive footprints in Egypt, Algeria, Angola, and Mozambique. Acquiring Block A1 allows Eni to diversify its West African portfolio into a frontier region, balancing its mature producing assets with high-reward exploration acreage.

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