Côte d’Ivoire has announced the discovery of a new hydrocarbon deposit containing high-quality light crude oil, marking a significant step towards its goal of becoming one of Africa’s leading hydrocarbon producers by 2035.
The discovery was confirmed on Tuesday, 24 June 2026, following exploration activities by U.S.-based Murphy Oil in partnership with the country’s National Petroleum Operations Company.
According to the Ministry of Mines, Petroleum and Energy, the find revealed approximately 30 metres of net oil column distributed across two separate reservoirs within the country’s sedimentary basin.
Preliminary analysis of samples recovered from the site indicates the presence of high-quality light crude oil. Authorities said a further appraisal well will be drilled during the second half of 2026 to determine the full extent of the reserves and assess their commercial viability.
The discovery was made through the drilling of the Bubale-1X well on the CI-709 block. The operation, which began in late February 2026, reached a depth of 6,263 metres in deep offshore waters with an average water depth of approximately 2,400 metres.
The latest find is expected to strengthen Côte d’Ivoire’s energy sector and support government plans to expand the contribution of the mining and energy industries to the national economy. The government aims to increase the sector’s share of Gross Domestic Product (GDP) from 7 per cent in 2022 to 14 per cent by 2040.
The discovery further enhances Côte d’Ivoire’s growing profile as an emerging oil and gas producer in West Africa.