The push reflects growing confidence that proven offshore systems extend inland, opening new frontier acreage and expanding opportunities across upstream and gas-to-power value chains. For investors, this shift is creating clearer entry points – from early-stage exploration to large-scale gas monetization – while evolving partnership models, risk-sharing structures and capital deployment strategies.

Across Senegal, Mauritania and The Gambia, NOCs are emerging as fully fledged operators and strategic partners, taking on greater technical, financial and regulatory roles. This evolution is reshaping how projects are structured and financed, positioning NOCs at the center of investment dialogue and dealmaking at MSGBC Oil, Gas & Power 2026 in Dakar.

Petrosen Scales Beyond First Oil

Petrosen is consolidating its position as a producer following first oil at the Sangomar project and LNG exports from the Greater Tortue Ahmeyim (GTA) project. The company is now focused on scaling production while strengthening domestic energy infrastructure.

Its 2026 onshore campaign forms part of a broader strategy to expand reserves, while downstream investments aim to enhance refining capacity and reduce import dependence. Gas commercialization remains a priority, particularly through developments such as Yakaar-Teranga, which is advancing toward development with a focus on securing investment partners and finalizing its commercialization strategy.

With increased state participation and evolving partnership structures, Petrosen is aligning upstream expansion with national development objectives, including energy security and industrial growth.

SMH Expands LNG Position

Mauritania’s Société Mauritanienne des Hydrocarbures (SMH) is building on its entry into the LNG market following first gas from GTA in 2025. The company is advancing plans to scale production while seeking partners for large, undeveloped gas resources.

Key priorities include progressing the BirAllah gas field – which remains an undeveloped, large-scale resource currently seeking partners and a clear development pathway – and integrating gas into domestic power generation. Infrastructure upgrades and new financing agreements are reinforcing supply stability and supporting economic growth.

Beyond hydrocarbons, SMH is also advancing green hydrogen ambitions, positioning Mauritania within emerging global energy markets while maintaining a strong focus on near-term LNG expansion.

GNPC Rebuilds Through Partnerships

The Gambia National Petroleum Corporation (GNPC) is entering a transitional phase, marked by asset reconfiguration and renewed investor outreach. With multiple offshore and onshore blocks available, the company is prioritizing seismic acquisition and targeting new drilling activity by late 2026.

A more focused, partnership-driven strategy is taking shape, with GNPC strengthening regional collaboration, including technical cooperation with the Nigerian National Petroleum Company. In parallel, ongoing regulatory reforms are enhancing fiscal clarity, improving licensing terms and creating a more transparent, competitive environment to attract fresh capital and support long-term upstream investment.

GNPC’s strategy centers on de-risking frontier acreage while building institutional capacity. By leveraging shared basin data and partnerships, the company aims to accelerate exploration timelines and unlock new hydrocarbon potential.

MSGBC 2026 Puts NOCs at Center of Investment Dialogue

At MSGBC Oil, Gas & Power 2026 – scheduled for December 1–3 – the region’s NOCs are expected to play a prominent role in the event’s investment-focused program. This includes high-level sessions and closed-door CEO engagements designed to facilitate dialogue between operators, policymakers and capital providers.

As NOCs expand technical capacity and assume more active roles across the value chain, they are increasingly positioned as key counterparts for investors entering the region. Their participation signals growing institutional maturity and is expected to support broader engagement, project visibility and capital alignment across the MSGBC basin.