Houston-based VAALCO Energy has signed a contract with UK-based Borr Drilling to provide a jack-up rig for its 2025/2026 drilling program off the coast of Gabon.
This partnership signals a rise in offshore drilling activity across Africa and reflects the increasing trend of international collaboration in the continent’s energy sector.
As the energy landscape evolves, the upcoming Invest in African Energy (IAE) Forum in Paris next May will provide a vital platform for fostering such partnerships, driving investment, and shaping Africa’s energy future.
Africa’s offshore oil and gas industry is witnessing a resurgence, spurred by heightened exploration activity.
Key developments include VAALCO’s offshore program in Gabon, Galp’s appraisal wells in Namibia’s deepwater Orange Basin, Shell’s planned exploration in South Africa’s portion of the basin, and Africa Oil Corp.’s upcoming drilling in Nigeria’s Agbami field, among others.
As the industry grows, global partnerships are essential to overcoming Africa’s infrastructure, financial, and technical challenges.
VAALCO’s contract with Borr Drilling exemplifies the strength of cross-border collaborations, combining international companies’ technical expertise, capital, and advanced technology to support successful offshore projects.
These collaborations are vital for African nations to maximize offshore reserves while maintaining competitiveness in the global energy market.
For countries like Gabon, which have untapped offshore potential, partnerships with global firms are key to unlocking resources and building a resilient energy sector.
By securing financing and deploying cutting-edge technology, these collaborations foster infrastructure development, increased production capacity, and economic growth, boosting investor confidence. The VAALCO-Borr contract reflects the growing recognition of Africa’s oil and gas potential by international firms eager to contribute to its expansion.
As Africa aims to boost its offshore energy production, the IAE 2025 Forum will address critical issues such as securing financing, navigating geopolitical risks, and ensuring environmental sustainability.
With its focus on partnerships, deal-making, and cross-border cooperation, the forum aligns with recent successes like the VAALCO-Borr contract, paving the way for more offshore projects across the continent.
