Shell returns to Gabon for deep offshore oil exploration after a decade-long absence
via Gabon Review5 min read
Shell, the British major, has signed a memorandum of understanding with Gabon on June 22 to evaluate the potential of several deep and ultra-deep offshore blocks. This agreement marks Shell's return to Gabon's oil basin nearly a decade after the company divested its onshore assets and later its offshore interests in 2024 to CNOOC International. The document was signed by Clotaire Kondja, Minister of Petroleum and Gas, and Thomas Praeger, Shell's Head of Exploration and New Opportunities. This is an exploratory phase focused on technical studies, not yet a production contract. Shell's return follows similar agreements made by ExxonMobil and BP in October 2025 for deep and ultra-deep zones. The Gabonese authorities are targeting a limited number of operators capable of handling the technical and financial complexities of deep-water exploration, and have revised the petroleum code to enhance its competitiveness. While this move is seen as a strong political signal, indicating Gabon's renewed credibility for international capital, it does not guarantee immediate investment, job creation, or short-term tax revenues. The outcome of these studies will determine the long-term benefits for Gabon's oil policy, which aims to use deep offshore exploration to offset the decline of its mature fields.
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Gabon and Italy have enhanced their judicial cooperation to combat human trafficking, a transnational crime. From June 15 to 17, the National School of Magistracy ENM in Gabon hosted a training session for magistrates and judicial police officers. Organized by the Scuola Superiore Sant'Anna of Pisa with support from the Italian Republic, this initiative demonstrates both countries' commitment to sharing expertise. The training, held in Libreville, aimed to improve coordination between magistrates and law enforcement to enhance investigations, prosecutions, and international judicial cooperation against criminal networks. This collaboration is part of a broader partnership between Gabon and Italy in justice and security, illustrating their ongoing commitment to strengthening the rule of law and judicial cooperation in Africa. The Italian Embassy in Libreville highlighted human trafficking as a major criminal and humanitarian issue in Africa, involving exploitation such as domestic servitude, forced labor, sexual exploitation, and forced begging. The cooperation between Libreville and Rome seeks to protect victims and combat the mechanisms perpetuating this phenomenon, contributing to a more resilient justice system prepared for cross-border threats.
Must ReadUN Secretary-General Ant贸nio Guterres, speaking in London on June 23, urged a rapid transition to renewable energy, emphasizing that climate and energy security are intertwined. He noted that the planet faces dual crises: a worsening climate crisis and an energy crisis fueled by geopolitical tensions and volatile hydrocarbon markets, both stemming from fossil fuel dependence. Guterres highlighted that the past eleven years have been the warmest on record and warned against exceeding the 1.5掳C global warming limit, which could lead to irreversible planetary changes. He argued that renewable energy sources like solar and wind power are not only crucial for combating climate change but also serve as instruments for economic security and national sovereignty, offering independence that hydrocarbons cannot guarantee. Guterres presented a seven-point roadmap for accelerating this transition, including strengthening climate commitments, reducing methane emissions, halting new fossil fuel infrastructure, and increasing investments in electrical grids. He also called for transparency on AI data center environmental footprints, a just transition for fossil fuel workers and producing countries, increased financing for developing nations, and better protection of science from climate disinformation. While Gabon was not explicitly mentioned, the UN's message resonates with the country, which possesses significant natural assets. Guterres's advocacy suggests that countries rich in natural
Must ReadO'Kaba, Gabon's first mobile super application, is enhancing its data protection measures ahead of its beta launch in July 2026. Project promoters met with the Authority for the Protection of Personal Data and Privacy APDPVP on June 23, 2026, to ensure the platform complies with legal requirements and prioritizes user security. C茅dric Ivendengani Assambi, an information systems engineer, stated that engaging with the APDPVP was essential to align with their obligations as a digital platform. Digital trust, including privacy protection, personal information security, and data use transparency, is a core principle guiding O'Kaba's development. The platform aims to be a national digital reference, facilitating access to a wide range of value-added digital services for citizens, businesses, and administrations. The name "O'Kaba" means "sharing" in Obamba, reflecting its goal to consolidate various services and meet daily needs. While existing mobile applications address some needs like transport or delivery, O'Kaba seeks to unify these services to provide a comprehensive solution. The platform will connect individuals and vendors in a secure environment, allowing users to order local products and receive delivery. Project leaders expressed satisfaction with the APDPVP's insights, which will help refine the platform, with user information security remaining a top priority. This institutional, technical, and strategic support is intended to strengthen O'Kaba's data governance and f