Senegal

Commentary

Sangomar and GTA are now producing, but the debt crisis, suspension of the IMF programme and the government's review of extractive contracts, including its tax dispute with Woodside, have raised contract risk. Phase 2 decisions for both projects are pending. Outlook: Uncertain.

Updated

October 12, 2026

Location

Description

The Senegal Basin is one segment of the rifted passive margin that developed along the northwestern margin of Africa as North and South America separated in the Late Triassic. The complex tectonic and stratigraphic evolution of the rifted passive margin from the Triassic to Neogene is reflected in the spectrum of hydrocarbon reservoirs, traps, and source rocks.

Summary

The basin became a producer in 2024–25, with most activity on the Senegalese side: Woodside's Sangomar field started up in June 2024 at about 100,000 b/d, and the cross-border GTA LNG project with Mauritania exported its first cargo in April 2025. Attention now turns to second phases (Sangomar Phase 2, GTA Phase 2) and to the government's review of existing contracts, which will shape appetite for new exploration.