The Republic of Congo has granted French energy major TotalEnergies a license to explore the Nzombo offshore block, located roughly 100 kilometers from Pointe-Noire in the Atlantic Ocean. The 1,000-square-kilometer block will be jointly developed: TotalEnergies’ local subsidiary will manage operations with a 50% share, QatarEnergy will hold 35%, and Congo’s state-owned oil company SNPC will control the remaining 15%.
TotalEnergies plans to drill the first exploratory well by late 2025. The company already produces around 65,000 barrels per day in Congo, contributing to the country’s broader output of nearly 269,000 barrels per day between January and July 2025 — a year-on-year increase of 5.2%. Authorities aim to push national production to half a million barrels per day by 2027, positioning oil as a cornerstone of economic growth.
Critical Perspective:
While the deal strengthens Congo’s role in global energy markets, it also underscores the country’s continued reliance on fossil fuels at a time when climate concerns are pressing. TotalEnergies’ increased presence raises questions about how much revenue will benefit Congo’s citizens, given past criticisms of inequitable profit-sharing in extractive industries. Moreover, the target of 500,000 barrels per day by 2027 signals a deepened commitment to oil dependency, potentially complicating the nation’s transition toward renewable energy.
