By: African energy chamber

Cameroon is making a strong play for future oil and gas production, with its latest licensing round paving the way for exploration across promising acreage. Officially launched on August 1, 2025, the licensing round offers nine highly prospective blocks – six in the Douala Kribi-Campo Basin and three in the Rio Del Rey Basin – representing a strategic opportunity to attract new investment into one of Africa’s most geologically diverse petroleum regions.

The licensing round – managed by the Société Nationale des Hydrocarbures (SNH)  – reflects broader goals by the country to harness the full potential of its oil and gas resources. SNH offered key insights into the licensing round during this year’s African Energy Week: Invest in African Energies, with details into blocks and licensing procedures shared during the event’s African Farmout Forum which was sponsored by SOMA Oil & Gas. The session was held in partnership with Moyes & Co., Envoi and FarmoutAngel, with 25 participating firms outlining plans for seismic acquisition, drilling and development partnerships.

Data rooms are currently open in Yaoundé and at Viridien in the UK, with bids due by March 30, 2026, and awards expected on April 24, 2026. Available data packages include 2D and 3D seismic surveys, well data and identified leads and prospects, providing companies with the resources needed to conduct thorough technical evaluations and make informed investment decisions.

Recent upstream activity in Cameroon underscores growing investor interest and confidence in the country’s petroleum sector. Earlier this year, Prime Oil & Gas acquired a 42.5% non-operated interest in the Thali license offshore Cameroon, contributing $15 million toward the ongoing work program and planned drilling of the NJOM-3 appraisal well. Perenco – one of Cameroon’s most active operators – continues to drive development in the Rio del Rey Basin, which has produced more than one billion barrels of oil to date and holds an estimated 1.2 billion barrels of oil equivalent in remaining reserves.

The Douala Kribi-Campo and Rio Del Rey basins are both known for their significant hydrocarbon potential, with existing infrastructure and proximity to markets offering investors reduced entry costs and faster monetization pathways. Renewed exploration in these areas could yield new discoveries that reinforce Cameroon’s role as a reliable regional producer while advancing broader African energy goals.

This a timely initiative that aligns with the continent’s strategy to increase exploration activity, boost private sector participation and develop local capacity. By offering favorable terms designed to mitigate risk, Cameroon is creating an attractive environment for companies of all sizes – from independent explorers to major international operators – to participate in shaping the country’s energy future.