Chevron is expanding its exploration presence across West Africa, marking the region as a key focus area following an agreement to explore two deepwater offshore blocks in Guinea-Bissau’s MSGBC basin.
The new acreage — Blocks 5B and 6B — lies within the Mauritania-Senegal-Gambia-Bissau-Conakry (MSGBC) basin, an area that has drawn heightened international interest after major oil and gas discoveries such as Sangomar and Greater Tortue Ahmeyim (GTA).
According to Reuters, Chevron’s local subsidiary will operate both blocks with a 90% working interest, while Petroguin, Guinea-Bissau’s national oil company, will retain the remaining 10%. The blocks cover deep to ultra-deepwater zones, where Chevron will begin interpreting existing 2D and 3D seismic data to evaluate potential prospects.
“West Africa remains a strategic region for Chevron,” said Liz Schwarze, vice president of exploration, during remarks at the African Energy Week conference in Cape Town. “We continue to seek additional high-quality acreage across the basin, with a focus on oil opportunities.”
Schwarze added that the company’s entry into Guinea-Bissau aligns with its broader global strategy of pursuing high-return conventional exploration opportunities. While Chevron’s initial studies will center on seismic interpretation, drilling timelines have not yet been determined, Reuters reported.
The announcement underscores Chevron’s continued interest in the MSGBC basin, one of Africa’s most active emerging frontiers, as the company strengthens its regional portfolio alongside established operations in Nigeria and Angola.
See also: TotalEnergies, Chevron push for faster permits, advanced seismic data in Africa
