Sierra Leone has signed a reconnaissance permit agreement with Shell, allowing the energy major to carry out advanced geological and geophysical surveys across multiple offshore blocks, the country’s petroleum directorate said in April 2026, according to Reuters.
The permit covers an area of roughly 20,600 square kilometres and includes basin modelling and petroleum systems analysis aimed at assessing the country’s deepwater hydrocarbon potential. Officials say the data gathered will help “de-risk” exploration and provide a stronger technical foundation for future licensing and drilling activity.
Authorities emphasised that the agreement does not commit Shell to immediate drilling but instead enables early-stage evaluation of prospects, a common approach in frontier markets. The programme follows a similar deal signed with Italy’s Eni in 2025, reflecting growing international interest in Sierra Leone’s offshore basin.
The move forms part of Sierra Leone’s broader strategy to attract global energy players and revive exploration after years of limited activity. By prioritising high-quality data and investor engagement, the government aims to position the country as an emerging oil and gas frontier within the Gulf of Guinea.
