Sierra Leone has signed an agreement with Shell that will allow the oil major to carry out advanced geological and geophysical surveys across multiple offshore blocks, according to the country’s petroleum directorate.
The reconnaissance permit covers an area of about 20,600 square kilometres and includes basin modelling as well as petroleum systems analysis, the statement said on Wednesday.
Officials said the programme is designed to improve understanding of Sierra Leone’s deepwater hydrocarbon potential and follows a similar agreement signed with Italy’s Eni in October.
The Petroleum Directorate of Sierra Leone (PDSL) said the initiative will provide a data-driven framework for evaluating future participation in licensing rounds.
“Our strategy is deliberately focused on de-risking the basin through high-quality data, attracting credible global players and accelerating the pathway towards exploration drilling,” said Foday Mansaray, Director General of the PDSL.
Shell said the arrangement is part of its standard engagement with governments through non-binding agreements that allow access to geological data and assessment of potential opportunities.
The company added that such agreements do not represent a commitment to proceed with exploration or development. Any further steps, it said, would depend on regulatory approvals and internal due diligence processes.
The move reflects Sierra Leone’s broader push to attract international energy firms and develop its offshore resources as part of long-term economic diversification efforts.
