West Africa revival
More oil output can be expected from West Africa in 2017, even if the recovery in upstream activity will be modest
A mild recovery in West African oil will take place in 2017, offering a contrast to the region's experience in 2016. Production will rise and some firms will chase new targets in the upstream. The coming year should see a gradual revival in exploration activity offshore some of West Africa's less-explored countries. ExxonMobil plans to spud a well in Liberia before the end of 2016 or in early 2017. Offshore Côte d'Ivoire, American independent Anadarko is conducting exploration and appraisal of its Paon discovery from 2012. After a successful appraisal on Block CI-103, two more wells are to be drilled on CI-527 and 528 before the end of 2016 or in early 2017 to assess similar-aged sands. Effo

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