Chevron adds Angola discovery amid Sub-Saharan Africa drilling push

The 105-4X exploration well, drilled in the Lower Congo Basin, encountered an oil and gas condensate column exceeding 600 m (2,000 ft) in the Pinda reservoir, including more than 90 m (300 ft) of net pay in what Chevron described as excellent-quality reservoir rock.

“By combining high-impact exploration with infrastructure-led opportunities close to existing facilities, we are growing our resource base, creating value, and demonstrating that our strategy is delivering, as well as our continued confidence in Angola’s resource potential,” said Kevin McLachlan, Chevron vice-president of exploration.

CABGOC operates Block 0, a concession adjacent to the Cabinda province coastline, with a 39.2% working interest. Partners are Sonangol E&P (41%), TotalEnergies (10%), and Azule Energy (9.8%).

The discovery aligns with Chevron’s broader Sub-Saharan Africa exploration strategy, which combines high-impact frontier prospects with near-field opportunities that can leverage existing infrastructure. Chevron currently produces about 300,000 boe/d net across the region.

During the past year, the company expanded its position in several African basins. In Nigeria, Chevron farmed into offshore blocks PPL2000 and PPL2001 and was awarded deepwater block PPL2010 in the latest bid round. The company also continues appraisal and follow-up exploration work after near-field discoveries at Meji NW-1, South Delta AA, and Awodi-07.

Elsewhere, Chevron added acreage in emerging plays, closing a deal Aug. 13 for three blocks in Guinea-Bissau, including Block 4B, and securing five reconnaissance licenses in Equatorial Guinea. In Angola, ongoing exploration activities include Blocks 49 and 50, Block 33, and Block 14/23.