Côte d’Ivoire: PETROCI Holding Takes the Reins of the Espoir Oil Field

On Friday, July 24, 2026, in Abidjan, a new chapter opened for the Ivorian petroleum industry. PETROCI Holding officially took control of operations at the Espoir oil field (CI-26) following a signing ceremony held at the Directorate General of Hydrocarbons.

The signed agreement formalizes the transfer of Block CI-26 assets to the national oil company of Côte d’Ivoire. Effective at midnight on the same day, PETROCI Holding now operates this oil permit, which was previously operated by CNR.

The ceremony took place in the presence of Fatoumata Sanogo, Managing Director of PETROCI Holding, who signed the document on behalf of the company. She was accompanied by Mr. Murray Rattray, representing CNR. The event was chaired by Alpha Yaya Ouattara, representing the Director General of Hydrocarbons.

A large delegation from PETROCI Holding attended the event, which was also marked by the official introduction of Mrs. Mabintou Tatiana Cissé, appointed Managing Director of PETROCI CI-26, the new subsidiary created to manage and operate the block.

Beyond its administrative nature, this transfer holds major strategic significance. Taking over the Espoir field, one of the iconic assets of the Ivorian oil sector, reflects a determination to strengthen national operational capabilities and consolidate the expertise developed by PETROCI Holding over the years.

With this takeover, PETROCI Holding reaches a new milestone in its ambition to play a central role in developing the country's energy potential. The creation of PETROCI CI-26 illustrates this momentum and paves the way for an even more integrated management of national oil resources.

All stakeholders present welcomed this transition while extending their best wishes for success to the new management team, tasked with leading operations on Block CI-26 and contributing to the advancement of the Ivorian oil sector.