Freetown, 1st November, 2025– The Government of Sierra Leone has signed a Reconnaissance Permit Agreement with Eni S.p.A., a leading global energy company headquartered in Rome. The deal, executed through the Petroleum Directorate, grants Eni the right to conduct technical evaluations across five offshore blocks—G-113, G-129, G-130, G-131, and G-132—spanning nearly 6,800 square kilometres of Sierra Leone’s territorial waters.
The agreement marks a significant step in the country’s push to attract world-class investment in its upstream petroleum sector. It also signals growing international confidence in Sierra Leone’s regulatory framework and its commitment to responsible, transparent resource management.
“This Agreement demonstrates the confidence that reputable international investors such as Eni S.p.A. have in Sierra Leone’s leadership, stability, and regulatory integrity,” said Eng. Foday B. L. Mansaray, Director General of the Petroleum Directorate. “It reflects our unwavering resolve to promote data-driven exploration as a catalyst for long-term economic transformation and national prosperity.”
The approved Minimum Reconnaissance Work Programme includes advanced geological and geophysical studies, laying the groundwork for future exploration and potential discoveries. Beyond the technical scope, the initiative is expected to strengthen institutional capacity, improve data quality, and generate insights critical to sustainable oil and gas development.
President Julius Maada Bio welcomed the partnership, describing it as a milestone in Sierra Leone’s journey toward economic diversification. “Eni’s engagement strengthens investor confidence and places Sierra Leone firmly on the map of West Africa’s emerging petroleum frontiers,” he said. “My Government remains committed to ensuring that all petroleum activities are conducted transparently, responsibly, and always in the best interest of the people of Sierra Leone.”
The Petroleum Directorate also acknowledged the contributions of key partners, including TGS, Africa Energy Partners (AEP), and the African Energy Chamber, for their roles in championing Sierra Leone as a viable investment destination.
With Eni’s proven track record in West Africa, where it has delivered major offshore discoveries and gas development projects, the agreement is expected to catalyze further exploration and unlock new opportunities for energy security and economic growth.
