Energy major TotalEnergies has secured a new exploration permit in the Republic of Congo alongside partners Qatar Energy and Congolese national oil company SNPC. Situated 100 km off the coast of Pointe-Noire – in close proximity to the company’s Moho production facilities – the Nzombo permit is a strategic asset with significant potential. The work program for the project incorporates one exploration well, which the partners expect to spud by the end of 2025.
Representing the voice of the African energy sector, the African Energy Chamber (AEC) commends the drive by TotalEnergies to unlock additional resources offshore the Republic of Congo. The company has long-played a central role in positioning the country as both a global oil producer, through projects such as Moho Nord and the Marine XX permit. The recent permit not only reflects TotalEnergies’ commitment to the country but is expected to enhance the company’s portfolio of operational assets.
TotalEnergies already holds a strong presence in the Republic of Congo and strives to consolidate this position even further. Notably, the company announced in April 2025 that it is investing $500 million in new wells in the country, seeking to increase production at the Moho Nord field. The investment aligns with the company’s broader strategy to unlock greater value from its Congolese portfolio. Earlier in 2025, TotalEnergies strengthened its position at the Moho permit with the acquisition of an additional 10% stake from independent producer Trident Energy. The transaction increased the company’s stake in the permit to 63.5%.
Beyond the Moho Nord field, TotalEnergies is accelerating exploration activities across other strategic assets. The company deployed two deepwater drilling rigs in 2024 in the country, one at the Moho permit and one at its Marine permit. Drilling activities are underway, with the company seeking to identify and develop new resources across these assets. As of April 2025, a third well was actively being drilled, with a fourth well set to follow. Accounting for 50% of the country’s daily oil production, the Moho permit averages 140,000 bpd, with the new drilling campaign set to increase output by an additional 40,000 bpd. The Nzombo permit will further enhance TotalEnergies’ Congolese production, cementing its position as a major producer in Central Africa.
These initiatives align with broader goals by the government of the Republic of Congo to increase crude production to 500,000 bpd by 2027 – up from the current production levels of 274,000 bpd. To achieve this, the country is actively engaging global investors and operators, fast-tracking license approvals and promoting new drilling campaigns. The country also plans to launch a licensing round in 2025, aimed at countering production declines and attracting new capital into the upstream sector.
“The Republic of Congo has demonstrated that it is ready and open for business. The recent permit awarded to TotalEnergies reflects this, showcasing the willingness of the government to support exploration campaigns and unlock additional offshore sources. As the country strives to reach 500,000 bpd in the coming years, ongoing exploration projects will play an instrumental part in bolstering output,” states NJ Ayuk, Executive Chairman of the AEC.
