Banjul, The Gambia, June 5, 2026 – The Government of The Gambia has awarded a Petroleum Exploration, Development and Production Licence Agreement (PEPLA) for Offshore Block A1 to Eni Gambia Ltd, a subsidiary of Eni S.p.A., marking a major milestone in the country’s efforts to unlock its hydrocarbon potential and advance the development of its upstream sector.
In an official statement made known to The Energy Republic, the licence agreement was signed on June 5, 2026, between the Ministry of Petroleum, Energy and Mines of The Gambia and Eni Gambia Ltd, establishing the legal and commercial framework for the exploration and potential development of hydrocarbon resources within Offshore Block A1.
Located along the deepwater Atlantic Margin off the coast of The Gambia, Block A1 covers approximately 1,300 square kilometres and extends into water depths of up to 3,300 metres. The block is situated within a region known for proven hydrocarbon discoveries and is considered highly prospective due to its favourable structural and stratigraphic features.
According to the statement, the previous studies conducted within the licence area have indicated significant exploration potential. The findings, derived from the interpretation of available geological and geophysical data, provide a strong technical basis for further exploration activities and reinforce Block A1’s attractiveness as a frontier exploration opportunity.
The agreement follows a comprehensive multi-year engagement process coordinated by the Petroleum Commission of The Gambia. The process included participation in data room evaluations, pre-qualification under a Request for Information (RFI) framework, and extensive technical and commercial negotiations between the parties.
Speaking on the significance of the agreement, the Minister of Petroleum, Energy and Mines, Hon. Nani Juwara, described the signing as a landmark moment for the country’s energy sector.
“The signing of this Petroleum Exploration, Development and Production Licence Agreement with Eni is a proud and defining moment for The Gambia’s energy sector,” Juwara said.
“It reflects the confidence that a world-class operator has placed in our country’s resource potential and in the credibility of our investment climate. The government, under the leadership of His Excellency Adama Barrow, is committed to ensuring that every step of this exploration journey is conducted with environmental responsibility and with the long-term interests of the Gambian people at its centre.”
He noted: “We enter this chapter with measured optimism—not as a nation that has already found oil, but as a nation that has created the right conditions to responsibly find it.”
Also commenting on the agreement, Director General of the Petroleum Commission of The Gambia, Engr. Cany Jobe, said the signing was the outcome of a transparent, data-driven and institution-led licensing process.
“The signing of the Block A1 PEPLA with Eni is the result of a deliberate, evidence-based and institution-led licensing process,” Jobe said.
“Through the management of the national data room, international promotion of The Gambia’s petroleum potential, the pre-qualification process, and technical and commercial negotiations, the Petroleum Commission has worked to ensure that the country’s hydrocarbon assets are presented to the market in a credible and competitive manner.”
She noted that the agreement further strengthens The Gambia’s position as an emerging frontier petroleum jurisdiction with strong geological potential and a clear regulatory framework.
“We look forward to working with Eni as they commence their exploration programme, while maintaining robust regulatory oversight at every stage,” she added.
Under the terms of the agreement, the Government of The Gambia holds a 10% equity interest in Block A1 in the exploration phase through the Gambia National Petroleum Corporation (GNPC).
The Government said the exploration programme will be implemented in accordance with the provisions of the PEPLA and applicable petroleum regulations, with a strong emphasis on environmental stewardship, transparency and responsible resource development.
The award of Block A1 represents another important step in The Gambia’s strategy to attract investment, expand geological knowledge of its offshore basin, and create opportunities for long-term economic growth through the responsible development of its natural resources.
