Oil and gas production from the Baleine field off the coast of Côte d’Ivoire has far exceeded initial forecasts. Operated by ENI and Petroci, this strategic project, the second phase of which began in December 2024, is expected to produce a cumulative 85,000 barrels of oil and 85 million cubic feet of gas per day. This exceptional performance supports the country’s ambitions to achieve national production of 200,000 barrels per day by 2028, making this sector a key lever for sustainable economic growth.
In Côte d’Ivoire, oil and gas production from the Baleine field is exceeding expectations. Operated by Côte d’Ivoire’s Petroci and Italy’s ENI, the field entered its first phase in August 2023 and its second phase in December 2024. According to experts, the field is expected to produce between 50,000 and 60,000 barrels of oil per day, compared to the 35,000 barrels initially forecast, and 50 to 60 million cubic feet of natural gas per day, exceeding estimates.
This performance will increase national hydrocarbon production to between 82,000 and 92,000 barrels per day of crude oil and 315 to 320 million cubic feet per day of natural gas by 2028. This national hydrocarbon production will reach 200,000 barrels per day of crude oil and 450 million cubic feet per day of natural gas.
AMADOU COULIBALY, Government spokesman – Côte d’Ivoire
With cumulative figures of up to 85,000 barrels of oil and 85 million cubic feet of gas per day for the two phases, this project represents a strategic step forward. The Ivorian government sees this windfall as a driver of sustainable economic growth for the country. According to the authorities, a decision on a third phase of production should be taken by the end of 2025 in order to maintain this momentum.
“It should be noted that investments in the second phase are estimated at around 2,000 billion CFA francs. This major step forward illustrates Côte d’Ivoire’s commitment to positioning the extractive and energy sector as a lever for sustained and sustainable growth”.
AMADOU COULIBALY, Government spokesman – Côte d’Ivoire
Simultaneously, the Calao field is targeting national production of 200,000 barrels of oil per day and 450 million cubic feet of gas by 2028. Although these levels are modest compared to African giants such as Nigeria, the ambition symbolises the West African country’s desire to strengthen its energy autonomy and economic development.
