Cameroon awards five offshore blocks in oil and gas licensing round to boost exploration and production

Cameroon’s national oil company and upstream regulator Société Nationale des Hydrocarbures (SNH) on April 24 announced results from its 2025 oil and gas licensing round, awarding five of the nine auctioned offshore exploration and production blocks.

According to SNH, London-headquartered Octavia Energy Corporation secured the Bolongo Exploration block in the Rio del Rey Basin, while Murphy West Africa, a subsidiary of US independent Murphy Oil Corporation (NYSE:MUR), was awarded four blocks in the Douala/Kribi-Campo Basin: Etinde Exploration, Tilapia, Elombo and Ntem.

Production sharing contracts (PSCs) for the awarded blocks are yet to be negotiated and will define terms for exploration, appraisal and potential development and production if commercially viable discoveries are made. Four unawarded blocks – Ndian River and Bakassi in the Rio del Rey Basin, and Bomono and Kombe-Nsepe in the Douala/Kribi-Campo area – will remain part of the wider licensing round framework after the current evaluation stage is completed.

“The outcome marks one of Cameroon’s most significant upstream licensing developments in recent years, reflecting renewed momentum in both mature basin redevelopment and continued offshore exploration interest,” the African Energy Chamber (AEC) said in a media statement on April 27. “It also underscores a broader shift toward structured, investment-driven licensing rounds aimed at re-engaging international operators and unlocking underexplored acreage.”

Cameroon’s latest licensing drive targets both new exploration and mature producing areas. The Douala/Kribi-Campo offshore zone, where Murphy West Africa will operate, is seen as a highly prospective petroleum province with promising gas potential, but remains less explored than the Rio del Rey Basin. Rio del Rey, where Octavia’s Bolongo block is located, is an established production area, offering redevelopment opportunities. The strategy aims to slow output declines, attract investment and revive exploration.

According to the AEC’s executive chairman NJ Ayuk, Cameroon is once again demonstrating that it is open for business and serious about unlocking its oil and gas potential. “Licensing rounds like this are essential to bringing in the capital, technology and expertise needed to develop resources efficiently and responsibly. Investors should look at Cameroon not just as an opportunity, but as a strategic entry point into Central Africa’s broader energy market,” said Ayuk.

Cameroon is also working to expand gas use for domestic energy supply and for industrial applications to create more value from its resources. The country’s focus is on gas-to-power projects, LNG development and downstream processing, supported by new infrastructure around Kribi. Planned pipelines, port improvements and processing facilities should strengthen the gas value chain. The country is also promoting fertiliser, petrochemical and gas-to-power projects as it aims to keep more value locally and build its role as a regional energy hub.

The Chamber said the latest licensing round demonstrated Cameroon’s clear commitment to expanding partnerships, attracting more investment and strengthening the country’s standing as a stable and competitive oil and gas market in Africa.