Sierra Leone has taken a notable step forward in its upstream petroleum strategy by entering into a reconnaissance permit agreement with Shell Exploration Company B.V., underscoring its intent to stimulate investment and accelerate offshore basin evaluation. The agreement, executed through the Petroleum Directorate of Sierra Leone (PDSL), was formalised at the Invest in African Energy 2026 Forum in Paris on 22nd April 2026. This reconnaissance permit arrangement reflects the country’s broader ambition to strengthen its position within the global energy landscape while promoting structured exploration activities.
Under the terms outlined, Shell has been awarded rights to carry out comprehensive geological and geophysical assessments across offshore G-Blocks 91, 92, 93, 110, 111, 112, 114, 115, 116, 117, 133, 134, 135, 148, 149, 150, 162, 163 and 164. These blocks span an estimated 20,594 square-kilometers, providing a substantial area for evaluation under the reconnaissance permit framework. Planned activities will involve seismic data quality control and interpretation, integration of well data, detailed petrophysical analysis, basin modelling, petroleum systems evaluation, identification of structural traps and reservoir fairways, and play-based exploration and prospectivity mapping. Collectively, these technical processes are expected to enhance understanding of the basin’s potential and reduce exploration uncertainties.
“This agreement with Shell marks a defining moment in Sierra Leone’s journey to responsibly unlock the value of our natural resources. It sends a strong and credible signal to the global investment community… that Sierra Leone is open for business, underpinned by transparency, stability and strong governance,” said President Julius Maada Bio in a statement released by PDSL. His remarks highlight the broader significance of the reconnaissance permit as a mechanism to attract global interest while reinforcing governance and transparency standards within the sector.
Highlighting the strategic importance of the agreement, PDSL Director General Foday Mansaray said, “Signing this agreement… underscores Sierra Leone’s growing visibility on the global energy stage. Securing Shell as a partner is a strong validation of the work we have undertaken to strengthen our geoscience database and regulatory framework.”
He further noted that Sierra Leone’s upstream roadmap is focused on de-risking frontier acreage through high-quality seismic data, advanced subsurface imaging and transparent engagement with global operators. Shell’s participation, backed by operations in more than 70 countries and deepwater exploration expertise, is expected to play a central role in evaluating basin potential ahead of future licensing rounds, positioning Sierra Leone for sustained upstream growth.
