Benin is preparing to return to offshore oil production after a 27-year hiatus, following new findings that estimate reserves at the Sèmè oil field at about 950 million barrels, according to revival work carried out by Akrake Petroleum.
The estimate is based on results from the AK-2H well, where recent drilling has confirmed the presence of a significantly larger and better-charged hydrocarbon reservoir than previously identified. Geological data from the well point to a high saturation level, suggesting a strong and potentially sustainable production outlook made accessible by modern drilling technologies.
Beyond the headline volume, the discovery marks a decisive break with more than two decades of offshore oil inactivity in Benin. Authorities and industry observers see the development as a foundation for a gradual restart of production in the Sèmè field, with early projections pointing to output of several thousand barrels per day.
The revival of the Sèmè field could reposition Benin within the regional energy landscape, providing new fiscal revenues and supporting broader economic ambitions if commercial production moves forward as expected. Further appraisal and development plans are anticipated as Akrake Petroleum continues work on the offshore asset.
The Sèmè field, located off Benin’s coast, was previously developed but has remained dormant since the late 1990s. The latest drilling campaign signals renewed investor interest in the country’s offshore potential at a time when improved technology is reshaping exploration and production prospects across West Africa.
