Italian energy group Eni has started an appraisal drilling campaign at its Calao offshore discovery, two years after its 2024 find, as Côte d’Ivoire seeks to significantly boost its oil production, according to industry sources.
The Calao well marks the first appraisal operation on the structure since the discovery, with specialized deepwater drilling vessels deployed to assess the size and commercial potential of the field. Details on the duration of the campaign and technical parameters have not been disclosed by Eni or Ivorian authorities.
Côte d’Ivoire currently produces hydrocarbons at roughly 60,000 barrels per day (bpd). The government has set an ambitious target to increase production to 200,000 bpd by 2027, relying on recent discoveries, including Calao, to achieve that growth. Authorities estimate that Calao and associated offshore fields contain around 1.5 billion barrels of crude, which would represent a substantial addition to the country’s reserves.
In a June 2024 address, President Alassane Dramane Ouattara outlined that reaching the 200,000 bpd target would require an estimated US$15 billion in sector investment over the coming years. The Calao appraisal is expected to inform development plans and help attract further capital for offshore operations.
Eni has been actively expanding its presence in Côte d’Ivoire. The company committed US$10 billion between 2023 and 2027 to develop the Baleine offshore oil field, discovered in 2021. Last week, Eni signed a binding agreement with Azerbaijan’s state oil company SOCAR to sell a 10 percent stake in the Baleine project, demonstrating its strategy to leverage partnerships while advancing field development.
More Read
The Calao operation forms part of Eni’s broader West Africa growth strategy. In October 2025, the group expanded its offshore exploration portfolio off Côte d’Ivoire, increasing its number of prospective blocks in the country to eleven. The company has signalled its intention to make the country a cornerstone of its regional expansion, combining exploration and production efforts to maximize output.
Industry analysts say the appraisal drilling is a critical step in determining the feasibility of commercial production. “Appraisal wells are essential for establishing the reservoir’s size, quality, and recovery potential,” said an oil sector consultant. “Results from Calao will influence investment decisions and the pace at which Côte d’Ivoire can scale up its production.”
The government sees increased hydrocarbon output as a key driver of economic growth and fiscal revenues. Higher oil production could help finance infrastructure projects, social programmes, and energy sector expansion, while reducing reliance on imports and boosting foreign exchange inflows.
More Read
Eni’s investments and partnerships, including the recent stake sale to SOCAR, underscore the growing international interest in Côte d’Ivoire’s offshore resources, despite the technical and financial challenges of deepwater exploration. Analysts note that consistent government policy, regulatory stability, and favorable fiscal terms have contributed to attracting global oil majors to the country.
With the Calao appraisal well now underway, Côte d’Ivoire is positioning itself to significantly expand its oil production in the next few years. Officials and industry observers will closely monitor drilling results, which will determine the scale of potential field development and influence further investment in the country’s growing offshore sector.
The Calao project highlights Côte d’Ivoire’s broader ambition to become a regional oil hub, leveraging recent discoveries, strategic partnerships, and major investments to boost production and position the country as a key player in West Africa’s energy landscape.
