Sudan, currently a political wild card, is also rapidly expanding both its production and reserves. |
The number and size of hydrocarbon discoveries continued to decline during 2004-2005 and many areas of the world became less accessible due to political constraints. Oil and gas companies are increasingly seeking access to larger oil reserves in Africa to meet growing global demand. Africa's major oil and gas producing provinces will likely continue to attract huge exploration investments and yield larger-than-average discoveries. Exploration will expand from these successful plays into adjacent countries and provinces, especially on the Atlantic continental margin, where access to export markets is key. |
This is happening globally, but in Africa, for example, according to IHS data, 10 years ago, national oil companies had 95 license holdings in Africa. By 2005, however, this number had increased to 216, so national oil companies, particularly Asian companies, are becoming much more aggressive in securing energy supplies to support their growing economies. |