The Union of Comoros is seeking to unlock its offshore oil and gas potential by partnering with Chinese and international companies. Dr. Maoulana Charif, Comoros' ambassador to China, recently attended the 19th International Petroleum and Petrochemical Equipment and Technology Exhibition in Dongying, Shandong Province. He presented the opportunities offered by Comoros' oil sector and emphasized the government's desire to move from identifying potential to exploring and confirming resources.
The exhibition, held on September 28, 2026, provided a platform for Dr. Charif to engage with potential partners and promote Comoros' offshore sector. Dongying is a major oil hub in China, with a thriving ecosystem that covers exploration, drilling, production, offshore equipment, refining, and enhanced recovery technologies. The ambassador believes that this concentration of expertise makes it an ideal location to establish partnerships with Comoros.
Comoros' offshore potential is based on extensive research conducted since 2007. The country has acquired 10,000 kilometers of 2D seismic lines, supplemented by 3D data acquisition in 2019 on several priority areas. These studies have identified various structures that may be of interest for exploration. The offshore area is divided into 40 oil blocks, offering a range of opportunities for potential partners.
However, Dr. Charif emphasized that Comoros is currently presenting its exploratory potential, rather than proven reserves. The available data provides a foundation for work, but further exploration and drilling are needed to confirm the presence of oil and gas reserves. The next step is to transform the available geological and geophysical data into concrete exploration programs.
Comoros is seeking partners with expertise in seismic interpretation, basin modeling, petroleum system analysis, prospect identification, and exploratory drilling. The mobilization of capital is also a crucial aspect of this endeavor. Dr. Charif extended an invitation to Chinese companies to visit Comoros, examine the available data, and engage with national institutions and sector stakeholders.
The goal is to establish a dialogue that may lead to reinterpreting data, conducting additional studies, identifying priority prospects, and eventually conducting exploratory drilling. Comoros is looking for long-term partners that can provide capital, technology, and expertise, while promoting knowledge transfer and capacity building.
By participating in the Dongying exhibition, Comoros aims to showcase its offshore potential to technical and financial partners. The ambition is to gradually transform available data into a more accurate understanding of the subsurface and, if exploration confirms, into resources that can contribute to the country's economic and energy development.
Key points
- Comoros has 40 offshore oil blocks available for exploration and development.
- The country has acquired 10,000 kilometers of 2D seismic lines and 3D data on several priority areas.
- Comoros is seeking long-term partners with expertise in exploration, drilling, and production.
