French oil major, TotalEnergies, has secured a fresh permit to explore offshore oil block, known as Nzombo block, in the Republic of Congo.
The company confirmed the permit award on Monday, noting that the site lies close to its existing Moho oil production facilities.
Under the new arrangement, TotalEnergies will operate the Nzombo block with a 50% stake. QatarEnergy will hold 35%, while the state owned Société Nationale des Pétroles du Congo (SNPC) will retain 15%.
Kevin McLachlan, senior vice president for exploration at TotalEnergies, said the award reflects the company’s continued interest in high potential offshore acreage in Central Africa.
“This award strengthens our portfolio of high impact prospects,” he said.
The Nzombo block covers about 1000 square kilometres and is located nearly 100 kilometres off Pointe Noire, Congo’s coastal commercial hub.
TotalEnergies said the work programme for the permit includes drilling one exploration well before the end of 2025.
The French operator already produces around 65,000 barrels of oil per day (bpd) in Congo, mostly from offshore wells.
SNPC also holds a 15% interest in the Moho facilities, which remain the country’s main offshore oil production hub.
McLachlan added that Nzombo’s proximity to Moho provides infrastructure advantages that could reduce development costs if commercial reserves are confirmed.
TotalEnergies role in Congo
TotalEnergies has been a key partner in Congo’s oil industry for decades, working alongside the government and SNPC to develop offshore fields.
The Moho field, which began production in 2017, remains one of the country’s largest oil projects.
The latest award further consolidates the company’s presence in Central Africa.
Congo continues to rely heavily on oil revenues, with the sector contributing a significant share of national income and foreign exchange earnings.
SNPC has stated in the past that joint ventures with international operators like TotalEnergies are essential for boosting exploration and sustaining output.
Beyond Moho, the new Nzombo permit is viewed as part of wider efforts to maintain production levels in a market facing global competition and evolving energy needs.
