The Republic of Congo has granted a fresh Congo oil exploration permit to French energy major Total. The permit covers the Nzombo block, a 1,000 square kilometre offshore area located 100 km from Pointe-Noire on the Atlantic coast. Total’s local affiliate will operate the block with a 50% stake, while QatarEnergy holds 35% and Congo’s state-owned SNPC controls the remainder.
Offshore Block Details and Drilling Plans
According to Total, the first exploration well at Nzombo is expected before the end of 2025. This development signals a significant step in Congo’s ambition to strengthen its upstream oil sector. With foreign partners providing expertise and capital, the government aims to expand offshore production capacity.
Currently, Total produces around 65,000 barrels of oil per day in Congo. The Nzombo permit could further boost this output if exploration yields commercial results. The addition of new reserves is key as Congo prepares for long-term production growth.
Congo’s Production Targets
From January to July 2025, Congo produced 56.9 million barrels of oil, averaging 268,000 barrels per day. This represents a 5.2% increase compared to the same period in 2024. Authorities have set a target of 500,000 barrels per day by 2027, nearly doubling current levels.
The government sees new offshore projects like Nzombo as critical to meeting this ambitious target. By combining state participation through SNPC with international players like Total and QatarEnergy, Congo is seeking to attract more investment while maintaining a share of revenues.
Energy Strategy and Economic Impact
The new Congo oil exploration permit underlines the country’s reliance on hydrocarbons as a driver of growth. Oil remains a central pillar of Congo’s economy, contributing a large share of export earnings and government revenue.
Officials expect that expanding exploration will not only raise output but also create opportunities for local services, infrastructure, and employment. However, environmental groups continue to voice concerns about the risks of offshore drilling in fragile ecosystems.
Outlook for Congo’s Oil Sector
With its Nzombo permit, Total reinforces its long-standing presence in Congo. For the government, the partnership marks another step toward energy security and economic expansion. Whether the nation can reach its ambitious 2027 production target will depend on the success of projects like Nzombo and continued investment from international energy companies.
The development of Congo’s offshore resources is likely to shape the country’s economic trajectory in the coming decade. For now, the Nzombo block stands as a symbol of the next phase in Congo oil exploration.
