French energy giant TotalEnergies has strengthened its footprint in Central Africa after securing a new offshore exploration permit in the Republic of Congo.

The company announced on Monday that it had been awarded rights to the Nzombo block, located about 100 kilometres off the coast of Pointe-Noire and covering an area of 1,000 square kilometres. The site is close to TotalEnergies’ existing Moho production facilities, where it already operates significant offshore projects.

Under the new agreement:

TotalEnergies will operate the Nzombo block with a 50% stake.

QatarEnergy will hold a 35% share.

Congo’s state-owned Société Nationale des Pétroles du Congo (SNPC) will retain the remaining stake.

Kevin McLachlan, TotalEnergies’ Senior Vice President for Exploration, described the deal as an important addition to the company’s portfolio, calling Nzombo a “high-potential asset.”

As part of the work programme, the partners plan to drill one exploration well before the end of 2025.

Currently, TotalEnergies produces around 65,000 barrels of oil per day in Congo, mainly from offshore wells. SNPC also holds a 15% interest in the Moho production facilities.

This new permit not only reinforces TotalEnergies’ long-standing role in Congo’s oil industry but also deepens its strategic presence in Central Africa’s energy sector.