TotalEnergies has strengthened its position in the Republic of Congo after securing the Nzombo offshore exploration permit alongside Qatar Energy and state-owned SNPC, the African Energy Chamber reported. The permit, situated 100 km off Pointe-Noire near the company’s Moho production facilities, is expected to contribute to the country’s target of raising crude output to 500,000 barrels per day by 2027.

The work programme for Nzombo includes one exploration well, scheduled to spud by the end of 2025. Analysts say the permit could further enhance TotalEnergies’ Central African output, complementing existing operations at the Moho Nord and Marine XX fields, which together account for half of the country’s current daily oil production of 274,000 barrels. Planned drilling campaigns are expected to add up to 40,000 barrels per day.

TotalEnergies has been actively consolidating its presence in the country. Earlier in 2025, the company increased its stake in the Moho permit to 63.5% through the acquisition of Trident Energy’s 10% holding, and in April it committed $500 million to new wells at Moho Nord. Deepwater drilling across other strategic assets is ongoing, with three wells already in progress and a fourth planned.

The Nzombo permit forms part of the government’s broader strategy to attract global investment and counter production declines, including a licensing round planned for later in 2025. NJ Ayuk, Executive Chairman of the African Energy Chamber, said the permit demonstrates the government’s willingness to support exploration campaigns and unlock additional offshore resources.