Petroleum Developments in Central and Southern Africa in 1978

Abstract

This review presents developments on petroleum exploration and production activity during 1978 in 45 countries of central and southern Africa. Petroleum was produced in 7 countries with a cumulative production of 851,285,310 bbl (2.33 million b/d), an 8.6% decrease from the 1977 production level. Production increases were reported in Cameroun (93%), where the Ekoundou field went on stream at the end of 1978, and Congo (25%). Ghana recorded its first production from the Saltpond field in October 1978. These increases were offset by larger decreases in Angola (21%), Gabon (6%), Nigeria (9%), and Zaire (20%). Total annual gas production decreased 15% to 510,600 MMcf (1,399 MMCFGD). Surface exploration work increased 34% to 210.75 party-months, including 185.1 party-months of seismic, 13.6 gravity, 10.05 magnetometer, and 2 geology. A total of 252 wells was drilled, an increase of 7 wells (3%) from 1977. Exploratory drilling was 114, the same as in 1977; 48 of the exploratory wells were discoveries, a success rate of 42%. New-field discoveries were reported in Nigeria (22), Cameroun, Gabon, Angola, Chad, Ivory Coast, Congo, Ghana, and Zaire. A total of 66 unsuccessful wildcats was drilled in 10 countries. Development drilling amounted to 138 wells in Nigeria (69), Congo, Cameroun, Gabon, Angola, and Ghana, with a 91% compounded success rate. Total wildcat and development footage was 2,084,694 (635,417 m). At year end 34 rigs were operating.