Freetown, 22nd April, 2026- The Government of Sierra Leone has signed a Reconnaissance Permit Agreement (RPA) with Shell Exploration Company B.V., marking a major milestone in the country’s drive to unlock its offshore petroleum potential. The deal was concluded on the sidelines of the Invest in African Energy Conference in Paris, organized by Energy Capital & Power.
The agreement grants Shell rights to conduct advanced geological and geophysical studies across 20,594 square kilometres of Sierra Leone’s offshore basin, covering multiple G-Blocks. The programme will include seismic data analysis, basin modelling, petroleum systems evaluation, and mapping of exploration prospects all aimed at de-risking the basin and enhancing understanding of its deepwater hydrocarbon potential.
President Julius Maada Bio hailed the signing as a defining moment for Sierra Leone’s energy sector. “This agreement with Shell sends a strong signal to the global investment community that Sierra Leone is open for business, underpinned by transparency, stability, and strong governance,” he said. He emphasized that the petroleum sector must deliver sustainable economic transformation, create jobs, and generate long-term value for citizens.
Director General of the Petroleum Directorate, Foday B. L. Mansaray, described Shell’s entry as a validation of Sierra Leone’s strengthened geoscience database and regulatory framework. “Securing Shell as a partner underscores our strategy of de-risking the basin through high-quality data and attracting credible global players,” he noted.
The deal builds on recent momentum in Sierra Leone’s upstream sector, including new long-offset 3D seismic campaigns and advanced reprocessing initiatives that have already identified promising exploration plays. The government reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining a transparent and investor-friendly petroleum sector aligned with international best practices.
Shell, with operations in over 70 countries, brings extensive expertise in deepwater exploration and complex offshore project delivery, positioning Sierra Leone’s basin for potential future licensing opportunities.
