Senegal has the potential to double its hydrocarbon production capacity, enabling the country to meet domestic demand and enter regional markets, Energy, Oil and Mining Minister Birama Suley Diop said. He made the remarks after visiting the mineral port of Sendou in Bargny and the African Refining Company (SAR) in Mbao.
Key findings from the visit
- Diop said Senegal has the necessary resources to double production, satisfy national needs and target subregional markets, according to Agence de Presse Sénégalaise (APS).
- The minister emphasized that sector development must ensure citizens' access to energy services under normal and safe conditions, at lower cost and across the whole territory.
- To achieve this, he called for strengthened reserves, guaranteed supply security and expanded production capacity.
Role of SAR
- SAR, founded in 1961 and operational since 1963, plays a strategic role in Senegal's energy sector.
- The minister noted SAR's regional positioning and said the company, with government support, intends to significantly expand its capacities.
Recent production data
- Senegal's Ministry of Energy reported that in April 2025, 3.8 million barrels of oil from the large Sangomar field were supplied to the international market.
Implications and considerations
- Doubling capacity could improve energy security, reduce import dependence and generate export revenues.
- Achieving the target will require investment in upstream production, refining and storage, regulatory stability, and infrastructure upgrades (ports, pipelines, grid connections).
- Environmental and social safeguards will be important to manage impacts of expanded hydrocarbon activity and to align with broader energy transition goals.
Follow-up
- Further details on timelines, investment plans and any announced partners were not disclosed; official updates from the Ministry and SAR should provide concrete project schedules and capacity targets.
