Sierra Leone’s capital, Freetown
Sierra Leone hopes to kickstart upstream
One of West Africa’s last frontiers aims to join the ranks of regional hydrocarbons producers
Sierra Leone’s decision to push the deadline for bids under its fifth licensing round back to 27 January from the previous date of 30 September was motivated by “increased interest from international and national oil companies” as a result of high oil prices, according to regulator PDSL. An improved price environment has “created exploration funding for companies that were unable to raise the needed capital for frontier exploration”, the regulator says, adding the extra time will allow those firms to complete their geological and geophysical analysis and to review the existing seismic data, which includes 11,000km² of 3D assessments. The fifth round comprises 63,643km² of open acreage, split
Also in this section
4 December 2025
Time is running out for Lukoil and Rosneft to divest international assets that will be mostly rendered useless to them when the US sanctions deadline arrives in mid-December
3 December 2025
Aramco’s pursuit of $30b in US gas partnerships marks a strategic pivot. The US gains capital and certainty; Saudi Arabia gains access, flexibility and a new export future
2 December 2025
The interplay between OPEC+, China and the US will define oil markets throughout 2026
1 December 2025
The North African producer’s first bidding round in almost two decades is an important milestone but the recent extension suggests a degree of trepidation
