Freetown, 26th March 2026- The Petroleum Directorate of Sierra Leone (PDSL) is preparing to lead a strategic investor roundtable at the 2026 Invest in African Energy (IAE) Forum in Paris, aimed at highlighting the country’s significant upstream potential and fostering cross-regional partnerships.
Scheduled for April 22–23, 2026, the session serves as a key platform for Sierra Leone to connect its emerging oil and gas industry with global capital, established operators, and project developers. This move underscores the nation’s positioning as a frontier energy market, supported by data suggesting recoverable resources in the tens of billions of barrels and a mandate to catalyze investment through direct engagement with international stakeholders.
A major focus of this engagement is the anticipated launch of Sierra Leone’s sixth licensing round, which offers investors an early-entry opportunity into untapped deepwater terrain. The exploration process has been significantly de-risked by fresh 3D seismic datasets, including recently completed Pre-Stack Time Migration data from GeoPartners that provides a detailed look at the hydrocarbon potential in the country’s northern offshore region. These technical advancements are intended to attract strategic partners ready to commit to new drilling campaigns under favourable fiscal terms.
The licensing drive coincides with increased activity from major international players. In 2025, Eni secured a Reconnaissance Permit Agreement covering nearly 6,800 square kilometers across several offshore blocks, while Nigeria’s F.A. Oil Limited is currently seeking farm-in partners to advance six offshore blocks awarded during the previous licensing round. These developments illustrate a growing momentum in the sector as companies move from technical evaluation toward active production phases.
At the Paris forum, the PDSL roundtable will provide a dedicated space for policymakers and investors to discuss project pipelines and investment prerequisites. Conversations are expected to center on optimizing contractual frameworks, de-risking exploration activities, and finding synergies between traditional hydrocarbon investments and renewable energy commitments. As a bridge between African opportunities and global markets, the IAE 2026 Forum offers a unique venue for deal-making and long-term infrastructure planning within the evolving West African energy landscape.
