Sierra Leone has signed a new agreement with Shell plc that allows the energy company to carry out offshore surveys, as the country looks to grow its oil and gas sector, according to a report by Reuters.
The deal, announced by the Petroleum Directorate, gives Shell permission to conduct advanced geological and geophysical surveys across several offshore blocks. These surveys will help the company study underground structures and assess whether there are viable oil and gas resources beneath the seabed.
The reconnaissance permit covers a large offshore area of about 20,600 square kilometres. It includes activities such as basin modelling and petroleum system analysis, which are key steps before any drilling can begin.
Officials say the agreement is part of Sierra Leone’s wider strategy to attract global investors and reduce the risks linked to exploration. By gathering high-quality data, the government hopes to better understand its offshore energy potential and prepare for future licensing opportunities.
“Our strategy is deliberately focused on de-risking the basin through high-quality data, attracting credible global players and accelerating the pathway towards exploration drilling,” Foday Mansaray, PDSL director general, said in the statement.
The move follows a similar agreement signed in 2025 and shows growing international interest in Sierra Leone’s offshore basin. It also supports plans to revive exploration activity, including possible drilling campaigns in the coming years.
This does not signal any commitment to proceed and any further steps would depend on regulatory processes and due diligence, among others, a spokesperson said.
