Paris, France – May 15, 2025 – Sierra Leone’s Deputy Minister of Finance, Bockarie Kalokoh, and the Director General of the Petroleum Directorate, Foday Mansaray, represented the nation at the Invest in African Energy 2025 conference, held in Paris from May 13 to 14.
The high-profile event, hailed as Africa’s premier investment forum outside the continent, brought together key international and African stakeholders to explore opportunities for collaboration and investment in Africa’s energy sector.
Speaking at the conference, Mr. Mansaray spotlighted Sierra Leone’s emerging role in the oil and gas industry, reaffirming the country’s openness to foreign investment and commitment to sustainable development.
He revealed that exploratory drilling is expected to commence in 2026, marking a critical step toward transforming Sierra Leone into a net oil and gas exporter.
To address investor concerns and enhance the country’s energy prospects, Mr. Mansaray announced the launch of a new 3D seismic data acquisition campaign, set to begin in June 2025. This initiative aims to de-risk offshore exploration, particularly in the northwest basin.
A recent study by PVE Consulting Ltd. was also highlighted, indicating that Sierra Leone holds an estimated 20 billion barrels of recoverable oil. This figure positions the country as a compelling destination for energy investors seeking untapped potential.
In addition to new exploration efforts, the Petroleum Directorate is collaborating with global data company TGS to reprocess existing 3D seismic data. A key focus of this effort is the Vega prospect, which is believed to hold up to 3 billion barrels of recoverable resources.
The Paris forum served as a strategic platform for Sierra Leone to engage with potential investors and industry leaders, fostering dialogue that could shape the future of its energy sector.