Quarterly 2
The second quarterly review of 2018 shares insights from around the world and looks at the trends that are shaping the future of energy companies.
Our approach remains to be an open source, impartial platform that aggregates content for our membership. This Quarterly Review, like the ones before it, reflect the views of our members and followers all around the world. Download the Quarterly here.
Alessandro Bacci, Independent Energy Consultant, A Snapshot of South Sudan’s Oil Sector
According to BP Statistical Review 2007, at the end of 2016 South Sudan had 3.5 billion barrels of proven crude oil reserves, i.e., 0.2% of the world’s proven crude oil reserves. However, South Sudan, which got its independence from Sudan in July 2011, because of several problems, such as the lack of independent export routes, border disputes with Sudan, and since December 2013 an ongoing civil war, has not been able until now to consistently develop its oil industry; on the contrary, its oil production is currently declining.
Christophe Barnini, EVP Geomarkets, Sales & Marketing and Group Communications, CGG
It is important for governments in Africa to maintain stable and attractive Oil Policies that will foster exploration and international investment. CGG is very active in helping local governments and oil agencies to promote the oil potential of their respective countries through our multi-client programs.
Chiagozie Hilary-Nwokonko, Partner, Streamsowers & Kohn
We can speak most confidently about Nigeria; and here the story has not really changed over the past few years. The prolific nature of the Niger Delta means that it remains a hugely attractive terrain for oil and gas investments. As the majors divest from the Niger Delta to concentrate on the deepwater and in some cases, the gas export business, there are plenty of opportunities to pick up geologically low risk and yet world class assets. Domestic gas utilization is also an area of growth, which is increasingly being taken up by indigenous players such as Seplat. Marginal field opportunities will also grow.
Akshai Fofaria, Partner, Solicitor & Avocat and Regional Chair of the Africa Group, Pinsent Masons LLP
Pinsent Masons has been active in Africa since the early 1990s when we exported the private financing model to South Africa, culminating in the development of the Gautrain. Since then, the firm has provided an entire project lifecycle service, supporting those who have an economic interest in Africa’s major energy, natural resources and infrastructure assets, and are proud to have used our legal expertise to help facilitate the financing and growth of vital energy infrastructure on the continent, and to have provided strategic advice and representation to market participants.
Alessandro Bacci, Independent Energy Consultant, Algeria’s and Libya’s Petroleum Fiscal Frameworks
Algeria and Libya are two of the world’s most important petroleum-producing countries. The two countries share a similar economic structure although Algeria has a more diversified G.D.P. composition than Libya has. Algeria has a preponderant role as a natural gas exporter, while Libya has an analogous role in relation to crude oil. However, similarly to many other hydrocarbons producers, Algeria and Libya are having some difficulties in attracting foreign investors at a time when these two countries need state-of-the-art petroleum technology and financial resources to develop their petroleum assets.
Upstream Oil & Gas M&A: Co-operation for innovation
In 2017 we saw a continuation of the upturn in upstream M&A which began in late 2016. The oil & gas industry has been through a sustained period of focus on cost cutting but, as the oil price stabilises, many players are now seeing an opportunity to refocus on growth.
The MSGBC Basin: No “One Hit Wonder”
Following some exciting world-class discoveries, the oil and gas industry’s eyes were all on the MSGBC Basin. Soaring to the top of the list as Africa’s most exciting new E&P hotspot, the basin was the new “cool kid on the block”. However, this excitement has recently been dampened by some disappointing results…here’s why you might want to hold back that judgement for now, and why the MSGBC Basin should still be on your radar in 2018.
Nina Bowyer, Partner – Solicitor & Co-Head: Global Africa Group, Herbert Smith Freehills
The African oil and gas industry continues to evolve. Our clients are optimising efficiencies across the value chain, strengthening balance sheets and introducing new technologies, whilst continuing to navigate complex regulatory environments, geopolitical risk, disputes and market disruption. Our specialist Africa oil and gas team is helping our clients shape new strategies to continue to grow and deliver value to stakeholders.
Anass Joundy, Principal Banker, European Bank for Reconstruction & Development (EBRD)
North and East Africa will represent the main opportunities for growth within the industry and the continent and Egypt will certainly be at the forefront of this wave of opportunities.
William Pollen, Director, Invest in Africa
Until we can make it easier for investors and local companies to play a more prominent part of Africa’s development story then the same old challenges and barriers to growth that we see today will exist long after even the natural resources are gone.
Rémi Bourgarel, Business Development Director Africa, Veolia
The growing environmental concerns about extractive industries like Mining and Oil & Gas industries need to be managed by a key player, who is able to follow its clients anywhere, at anytime with the best international practices in environment protection.