TotalEnergies to Drill in South Africa, Regulatory Reforms Gain Momentum
TotalEnergies is set to begin offshore drilling in South Africa in 2026, pending final regulatory approvals. This move is part of the company’s plan to expand its energy operations on the continent. The announcement comes as South Africa’s government is making significant progress in reforming its oil and gas sector.
The government has published draft regulations for the Upstream Petroleum Resources Development Act, which aims to create a more modern and investor-friendly framework for hydrocarbon exploration and production. This new framework will provide clearer guidelines for licensing, state participation, and production-sharing mechanisms, making it easier for companies to operate in the country.
South Africa’s offshore areas, particularly the Orange Basin, have shown promising signs of oil and gas reserves, following major discoveries in neighboring Namibia. TotalEnergies has already taken over as operator of offshore exploration Block 3B/4B, indicating its confidence in the basin’s potential.
The upcoming African Energy Week (AEW) 2025 conference in Cape Town will provide a platform for regulators, international oil companies, and service providers to discuss the implications of these reforms and chart a path forward for exploration and development in South Africa. With a more supportive regulatory environment in place, South Africa is poised to attract significant investment and drive energy security and industrial growth. #TotalEnergies to Drill in South Africa, Regulatory Reforms Gain Momentum#
