Following a meeting between Turkey’s President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Senegal’s newly elected President Bassirou Diomaye Faye, the two nations have formalized a memorandum of understanding focused on energy and hydrocarbons, as announced by Turkish Energy Minister Alparslan Bayraktar on social media.
The agreement entails collaboration in oil and natural gas exploration, production, and trade, with Turkey set to assist in seismic exploration activities both onshore and offshore in Senegal.
The deal also encompasses initiatives in renewable energy, critical minerals, and rare earths.
In recent months, Ankara has established several energy cooperation agreements with various African nations, aiming to strengthen its connections with the continent’s rapidly growing economies and secure future oil and gas supplies.
According to data from energy regulator EPDK and the Mining and Petroleum Directorate, Turkey imported 31.4 million metric tons of crude oil and 17.6 million metric tons of petroleum products in 2023, while its domestic crude production was only 4.1 million metric tons.
Turkish seismic vessels are currently engaged in oil exploration off the coast of Somalia, a region where international oil company activity has been scarce since the civil war began in the 1990s.
Additionally, Turkish companies have been encouraged to invest in oil exploration in Niger, especially after the military coup in July, which shifted the country away from its traditional alliances with Western nations like the US and France. Turkey is also reportedly seeking access to Niger’s uranium reserves for its nuclear power sector.
Furthermore, Turkey is considering increasing exploration efforts off the coast of Libya, responding to requests from the North African country, as mentioned by Bayraktar in September.
Senegal, recognized as one of the world’s newest oil producers, launched its 100,000 barrels per day Sangomar oil project in June, operated by Australia’s Woodside.
This project produces sour crude for export, with buyers in China, Europe, and Malaysia.
In addition, Senegal is poised to commence its first gas project, the Greater Tortue Ahmeyim field, situated on the border with Mauritania.
The project is expected to produce 2.3 million metric tons of liquefied natural gas (LNG) annually, with operations slated to begin in the fourth quarter.
