Cameroon has launched a competitive bidding process for nine oil and gas exploration blocks spread across two of its established hydrocarbon basins, with the deadline for proposals set at March 30, 2026.
The tender, managed by the state oil company Société Nationale des Hydrocarbures (SNH), covers three blocks in the Rio del Rey basin — Ndian River, Bolongo Exploration, and Bakassi — and six blocks in the Douala/Kribi-Campo basin: Etinde Exploration, Bomono, Nkombe Nsepe, Tilapia, Ntem, and Elombo. Several of the offered blocks sit near existing production areas and are supported by prior drilling data and available 2D and 3D seismic surveys.
Bidders may choose from multiple contractual frameworks, including concession agreements, production sharing contracts, and risk service contracts. Initial exploration periods range from three to five years depending on the block, with renewal options available. Prospective bidders are required to submit technical evaluations, minimum work programs, budget commitments, and environmental and local content plans.
Technical data packages have been made available through data rooms in Yaoundé and other designated locations. Final block awards are anticipated in late April 2026. The round reflects Cameroon’s intent to attract fresh upstream investment to counter natural production decline at maturing fields and sustain activity both onshore and offshore.
Source: worldoil.com