The American company Vaalco Energy has strengthened its presence in Côte d’Ivoire by becoming the majority operator with a 60 percent stake in the Kossipo offshore oil field, alongside PETROCI, which retains 40 percent. This move highlights the growing interest of international investors in the country’s energy sector.

The Kossipo field, discovered in 2002 and re-evaluated in 2019, is estimated to hold more than 100 million barrels of oil equivalent (2C), making it a strategic resource for national production. According to Vaalco Energy, a development plan for the field is expected in the second half of 2026, aiming to initiate the first production phases following approval from local authorities.

This operation aligns with Côte d’Ivoire’s strategy to develop its offshore resources and enhance its attractiveness to foreign investors. The Ivorian government views such partnerships as a key tool for increasing oil production while developing local capabilities in the energy sector.

Vaalco Energy, which also operates in Gabon, states that the development of the Kossipo field will involve phased investments and careful planning to maximize resource recovery while adhering to environmental and safety standards.

The Kossipo project illustrates the combination of national energy potential and international investor interest, contributing to the strengthening of Côte d’Ivoire’s oil sector and the country’s economic growth.