Côte d'ivoire Country Commercial Guide
Learn about the market conditions, opportunities, regulations, and business conditions in côte d'ivoire, prepared by at U.S. Embassies worldwide by Commerce Department, State Department and other U.S. agencies’ professionals
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Côte d’Ivoire - Oil and Gas
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Overview

Côte d’Ivoire is positioning itself as a regional oil and gas hub, with upstream and downstream activities that are critical to national energy security and economic growth. By the end of 2023, the country’s sedimentary basin contained 50 blocks, including 9 under exploration, 4 in production, 1 awaiting development, 10 under negotiation, and 26 available for investment. Key production blocks include CI-11 (Lion and Panther fields), CI-26 (Espoir field), CI-27 (Foxtrot, Mahi, Marlin, and Manta fields), CI-40 (Baobab field), and CI-101 & C-802 (Whale field). Crude oil exports accounted for approximately 84% of total production in 2022, including shipments to landlocked neighbors such as Mali and Burkina Faso. With petroleum product consumption growing at more than 10% per year and a regional market serving roughly 400 million people, opportunities exist for U.S. companies to provide exploration and production equipment, pipeline construction and maintenance services, subsea technology, refining and storage solutions, and engineering and technical expertise to support both upstream and downstream development.

Upstream (Exploration and Production)

The upstream sector comprises exploration, field development, and production, primarily offshore. Proven oil reserves are estimated at 100 million barrels and natural gas reserves at 1 trillion cubic feet. Recent discoveries, including the Baleine and Calao fields, could increase production from 60,000 barrels per day in 2024 to roughly 200,000 barrels per day by 2027. PETROCI, the national oil company, collaborates with international partners to develop key fields, while the Ministry of Mines, Petroleum, and Energy regulates exploration and production, approves field development, and enforces local content requirements.

Local content regulations, implemented in 2024, require that at least 50% of upstream employees be Ivorian nationals, reserve certain positions for locals, and mandate prior approval for subcontracting or the supply of goods and services. U.S. companies entering upstream activities must navigate these requirements while offering technology, engineering, and equipment solutions that complement domestic workforce development.

Downstream (Refining, Storage, and Distribution)

Downstream activities include refining, storage, transport, and distribution of petroleum products. Société Ivoirienne de Raffinage (SIR) refines most domestic crude and maintains a monopoly on crude imports. Société de Gestion des Stocks Pétroliers (GESTOCI) controls approximately 85% of storage capacity, totaling 473,097 m³ in 2023, while the overall butane gas storage capacity was 31,107 metric tons, roughly 17 days of national consumption. Natural gas is primarily used for electricity generation, accounting for nearly 93% of total gas sales in 2023.

Domestic distribution is competitive, with over 50 companies operating across 1,446 service stations. Major operators include Vivo Energy, TOTAL Energies, Ola Energy, Star Oil, and Petro-Ivoire. U.S. companies can participate in storage solutions, logistics, distribution infrastructure, and technology integration while aligning with local content requirements.

Sector Context and Energy Needs

The oil and gas sector is integral to Côte d’Ivoire’s energy security. Gas from domestic production fuels power generation, supporting the country’s electricity system, which reached nearly 13,345 GWh of gross production in 2023. However, the sector faces challenges due to gas pricing: domestic prices are lower than international market rates, creating financial pressures for development and limiting the profitability of new gas projects. This can affect the pace of upstream investment, particularly for companies seeking returns on large-scale offshore projects.

The Oil and Gas Logistics Master Plan 2025–2050 provides a framework for sector growth, planning for infrastructure, storage, and transport to meet projected increases in production and regional exports. The plan prioritizes:

  • Port Infrastructure: Investments of CFA 420 billion ($725 million) to expand oil and gas handling capacity, modernize facilities, and enhance connectivity to regional trade corridors.
  • Transport Infrastructure: CFA 3,000 billion ($5 billion) allocated to road, rail, and pipeline development to ensure efficient movement of crude, refined products, and natural gas.
  • Storage and Processing Infrastructure: CFA 6,000 billion ($10 billion) directed to constructing and upgrading storage terminals, gas processing facilities, and secondary processing plants.

For U.S. companies, the Master Plan signals opportunities across engineering, construction, storage and processing equipment, IT and control systems, logistics, and Engineering, Procurement, and Construction Management (EPCM) services. Compliance with local content regulations and collaboration with Ivorian partners is critical to participating in these projects, particularly in upstream development, gas infrastructure, and distribution systems.

Leading Sub-sectors

Côte d’Ivoire’s oil and gas market offers opportunities across multiple sub-sectors where U.S. companies can leverage technology, project management expertise, and financing solutions. 

Key sub-sectors include:

  • Upstream Exploration and Production: Côte d’Ivoire’s offshore and onshore blocks, including CI-11, CI-26, CI-27, and CI-101/C-802, offer opportunities in drilling, seismic surveying, field development, and reservoir management. U.S. companies can provide advanced exploration technologies, offshore engineering services, and project management solutions to optimize production efficiency while complying with local content regulations.
  • Downstream Refining, Storage, and Distribution: The downstream sector includes refining at Société Ivoirienne de Raffinage (SIR), storage with GESTOCI, and competitive domestic distribution networks. U.S. companies can participate in modernizing storage terminals, upgrading pipelines, enhancing gas processing facilities, and providing equipment and technology solutions for distribution networks, including fueling stations.
  • Infrastructure and Logistics for Oil and Gas: Expansion of port and transport infrastructure—particularly in Abidjan and San Pedro—supports both crude exports and refined product distribution. Opportunities exist in constructing storage terminals, pipelines, loading/unloading facilities, and transport corridors. U.S. firms can contribute engineering, EPCM, and heavy-equipment solutions for infrastructure projects integral to the Oil & Gas Master Plan 2025–2050.
  • Oilfield Services and Technology Solutions: Demand is growing for specialized services, including maintenance, inspection, subsea operations, drilling support, and IT-enabled monitoring systems. U.S. companies with expertise in oilfield technologies, digital monitoring, and predictive maintenance are well-positioned to support efficiency, safety, and compliance with environmental and social standards.
  • Natural Gas for Power Generation and Industrial Use: With natural gas accounting for over 90% of total gas sold in 2023, U.S. companies can engage in gas processing, pipeline infrastructure, and gas-to-power solutions. Opportunities exist to provide equipment, technical expertise, and consultancy for optimizing supply to electricity generation and industrial customers while navigating price and regulatory challenges.

Opportunities

Côte d’Ivoire’s government is prioritizing oil and gas development as a driver of economic growth, energy security, and industrial expansion, creating significant opportunities for U.S. companies across the sector:

  • Upstream and Pipeline Development: The Abidjan–Yamoussoukro–Bouaké–Ferké oil and gas pipeline project is a major initiative to expand energy infrastructure. It involves constructing a 24-inch multi-product pipeline spanning 375 kilometers from Abidjan to Ferké, a 14-inch natural gas pipeline covering 609 kilometers, and converting an existing 12-inch, 343-kilometer multi-product pipeline from Abidjan to Bouake into an LPG pipeline. With a total estimated budget of $1.9 billion, the project will enhance energy access, stimulate economic growth, reduce deforestation, and lower CO2 emissions. PETROCI is expected to lead execution, presenting opportunities for U.S. engineering, construction, pipeline management, and technology solutions.
     
  • Refining and Processing: A new oil refinery is planned in San Pedro to process crude from the Baleine field, with a targeted capacity of 170,000 barrels per day and an estimated cost of $7 billion. The refinery aims to respond to strong medium and long term petroleum products consumption growth. Côte d’Ivoire’s current refining capacity meets only 50 percent of the demand. This project is expected to improve domestic energy supply, reduce shortages, support industrial growth, and generate employment. U.S. firms can participate through equipment supply, process technology, and EPCM services.
     
  • Storage and Distribution Infrastructure: Several projects aim to modernize storage and distribution:
    •    The construction of a new oil quay and storage unit near Abidjan port, including 50,000 MT LPG storage ($1.2 billion), to improve energy security and local infrastructure.
    •    Depot rehabilitation in Bouaké with 24,600 m³ capacity ($76.2 million) to support supply to Burkina Faso and Mali.
    •    LPG logistics center in Bouaké ($63.5 million) to strengthen the national LPG distribution chain and reduce environmental impact.
    •    Construction of an advanced hydrocarbon depot north of Abidjan (PK 42), with a total storage capacity of 72,000 m³ ($71.4 million), to strengthen strategic petroleum reserves and enhance the efficiency of the national petroleum products distribution chain.
    •    Expansion of bitumen storage with five new tanks totaling 30,000 m³ ($47.5 million) to meet growing demand.
    •    A Polymer Modified Bitumen (PMB) plant with a 35-kilotons-per-year capacity and laboratory ($17.5 million) to extend road lifespan and reduce construction costs.
     
  • Gas Development and Power Integration: Natural gas is the primary feedstock for Côte d’Ivoire’s power sector, accounting for over 90% of gas sold in 2023. U.S. companies can support gas infrastructure, Floating Storage Regasification Unit (FSRU) deployment, processing, and transport solutions. Challenges around gas pricing, supply reliability, and regulatory frameworks make expertise in commercial structuring, risk mitigation, and technology integration particularly valuable. These projects align with the Oil & Gas Master Plan 2025–2050, which organizes public and private investments into three areas: port infrastructure ($725 million), transport infrastructure ($5 billion), and storage/processing facilities ($10 billion). The plan aims to meet growing energy demand, support industrialization, and enable export of hydrocarbons. U.S. companies that combine technical innovation, EPCM capabilities, local content compliance, and financial structuring expertise are well-positioned to participate across upstream, downstream, and infrastructure projects.

Resources

Institution/Role 

  • Ministère des Mines, du Pétrole et de l’Energie (MMPE)    
    Government ministry responsible for national energy and hydrocarbon policy, drafting and enforcing legislation, and overseeing exploration, production, and distribution of oil and gas. MMPE coordinates licensing, approves projects, and enforces local content rules. U.S. companies must engage with MMPE for regulatory approvals, project permits, and alignment with national development priorities. 
     
  • Direction Générale des Hydrocarbures (DGH)
    Subordinate to MMPE, DGH regulates and supervises hydrocarbon exploration and production, manages petroleum product supply and distribution, and ensures sector compliance with government policies. Critical for U.S. upstream service providers seeking approvals, monitoring, and regulatory guidance. 
     
  • PETROCI (Petroci Holding)    
    National oil company (SOE) established in 1975. Operates across the full oil and gas value chain: exploration, production, transport, storage, and marketing. Partners with international companies like ENI on field development. U.S. companies can partner with Petroci for joint ventures, technology supply, and project EPC services. 
     
  • Société Ivoirienne de Raffinage (SIR)
    SOE responsible for refining crude oil in Côte d’Ivoire; holds a monopoly on crude oil imports. Produces refined products for domestic consumption and export. U.S. companies providing refining equipment, maintenance services, or downstream logistics should engage with SIR. 
     
  • Société de Gestion des Stocks Pétroliers (GESTOCI) 
    Semi-public company managing storage and transport of petroleum products. Controls 85% of storage capacity in Côte d’Ivoire, including 473,097 m³ for petroleum and 31,107 tons for butane. Key partner for U.S. companies offering storage solutions, transport equipment, and logistics services. 
     
  • Société Multinationale de Bitumes (SMB)    
    Specialized in refining crude oil to produce bitumen of various grades, as well as other non-energy derivative products. Plays a key role in the national and sub-regional production and marketing of bitumen for road construction by directly supporting road infrastructure development programs.

Tradeshows

Event Date / Description

  • SIREXE – International Extractive and Energy Resources Exhibition    
    Nov 25–30, 2026 (biennial) – Abidjan    
    Côte d’Ivoire’s premier extractives and energy event organized by the Ministry of Mines, Petroleum, and Energy, bringing together government officials, investors, and companies in mining, oil, and energy. Provides a platform for networking, public-private partnerships, and showcasing technologies and services for the local hydrocarbon and energy sectors.
     
  • Africa Oil Week (AOW)    
    Nov 4–8, 2025 (annual) – Cape Town, South Africa    
    The largest upstream oil and gas conference in Africa, attracting regional investors and operators. Critical for U.S. companies seeking opportunities in Côte d’Ivoire’s offshore exploration, production, and services sectors. Offers workshops, deal-making sessions, and insight into regulatory trends.
     
  • West Africa Oil & Gas (WAOG)   
    Feb 12–14, 2026 (annual) – Accra, Ghana    Regional conference focused on oil and gas developments in West Africa, including Côte d’Ivoire. Provides a forum for investors, operators, and service providers to discuss exploration, production, financing, and logistics opportunities. U.S. companies can leverage WAOG to identify partners and tenders in Côte d’Ivoire.
     
  • West Africa Power & Energy Summit (WAPES)    
    Mar 17–19, 2026 (annual) – Lagos, Nigeria   
     Focuses on power generation, energy infrastructure, and natural gas development in West Africa. Relevant for U.S. companies involved in natural gas supply, electricity infrastructure, and supporting oil-to-power projects in Côte d’Ivoire.
     
  • Côte d’Ivoire Oil & Gas Summit    
    Jun 3–5, 2026 (annual) – Abidjan    
    National-level event focused on Côte d’Ivoire’s upstream and downstream oil and gas sectors. Key for networking with government, Petroci, and other operators. Offers direct insight into procurement, local content requirements, and investment projects.

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