Cameroon has launched a new licensing round offering nine exploration and production blocks across two proven hydrocarbon basins: Rio del Rey (RDR) and Douala/Kribi-Campo (DKC).

Managed by the National Hydrocarbons Corporation (SNH), the tender opened on August 1, 2025, with proposals accepted until March 30, 2026, and final awards expected in late April.

The round includes three blocks in RDR—Ndian River, Bolongo Exploration and Bakassi—and six in DKC—Etinde Exploration, Bomono, Nkombe Nsepe, Tilapia, Ntem and Elombo.

Strategically located near existing producing fields, the blocks benefit from prior drilling, extensive 2D and 3D seismic data and identified leads and undrilled prospects.

This significantly reduces exploration risk while providing investors with immediate technical insight and development potential.

Cameroon is offering flexible contractual options, including Concession Contracts, Production Sharing Contracts and Risk Service Contracts. Exploration terms vary: several blocks offer an initial three-year period, renewable twice for two years, while others provide five-year initial terms with renewal options.

Bidders must submit detailed technical proposals, minimum work programs, budgets, and environmental, social and local content commitments.

Fiscal terms—including profit-sharing, royalties and cost recovery structures—are negotiable, enhancing commercial competitiveness.

The transparent framework, comprehensive data packages and accessible data rooms in Yaoundé and internationally aim to restore investor confidence as mature fields decline.

Proven basin infrastructure further lowers entry barriers, making the round attractive to both independents and majors seeking material discoveries.

The licensing round coincides with key industry events, including the Invest in African Energy Forum 2026 in Paris and African Energy Week 2026 in Cape Town, offering platforms to advance partnerships and financing.

“What makes Cameroon’s licensing round so compelling is the quality of the technical data available,” says NJ Ayuk, Executive Chairman of the African Energy Chamber. “Investors can clearly see the reservoir potential, plan their drilling strategies and structure financing with confidence. Beyond the data, Cameroon has created a transparent and competitive framework, with clear contract terms and open negotiations, giving companies the certainty they need to move capital and execute projects effectively.”

“Both onshore and offshore, Cameroon possesses immense and largely untapped energy potential, underpinned by proven oil reserves and significant gas resources. These gas assets present a major opportunity not only to support domestic development and diversify the country’s energy mix, but also to position Cameroon as a competitive exporter to global markets,” continues Ayuk. “The current licensing round reflects this dual opportunity: unique onshore projects tailored to serve domestic demand are well suited to independents and African operators, while the LNG potential of large offshore gas discoveries should attract major international companies.”

“Realising the full value of Cameroon’s oil and gas resources will require strategic planning for both discovered and yet-to-find reserves, alongside a clear vision for their role in domestic and international energy markets. We are confident this licensing round provides that pathway and strongly encourage investors to take a close look at Cameroon,” concludes Ayuk. -OGN/TradeArabia News Service