Beyond the immediate transaction, the takeover reflects a broader policy shift. Senegalese authorities have launched audits across the mining and petroleum sectors, while Petrosen is preparing to invest $100 million in 2026 to accelerate onshore exploration. Together, these steps point to a more assertive strategy focused on maximizing resource value and reshaping how projects are structured and executed.

What is the Restart Plan for Yakaar-Teranga?

Located in the Cayar Offshore Deep basin, Yakaar-Teranga is estimated to hold 25 trillion cubic feet of gas, positioning it as a cornerstone of Senegal’s long-term energy strategy. With the project now fully under national control, authorities have moved quickly to redefine its development model.

Speaking at last year’s MSGBC Oil, Gas & Power conference, Energy Minister Birame Souleye Diop made the government’s position clear, stating that the project would be developed “under Senegal’s terms,” with any future partners expected to align with national priorities.

That stance has translated into a reassessment of technical pathways, with Petrosen commissioning multiple concept studies alongside industry players including Subsea7, Baker Hughes, Wison and Turkish Petroleum. The preferred approach centers on offshore gas production linked to an onshore processing facility, with volumes directed into the domestic gas network to support power generation and reduce electricity costs.

The project’s timeline is ambitious but defined. Petrosen is working toward a 2026 FID, with production expected to reach around 150 million cubic feet per day once operational.

Can Petrosen Deliver a Greenfield Project Alone?

What makes Yakaar-Teranga notable is not just its scale, but the model behind it. African national oil companies have historically expanded through minority stakes, brownfield optimization or smaller-scale developments. Here, Petrosen is stepping into a lead role on a technically complex offshore gas project – one that would typically be operated by an international major.

That transition carries clear execution risks. To date, Petrosen’s experience has largely been as a minority partner, holding 10% in the Greater Tortue Ahmeyim LNG project and 18% in the Sangomar oil field, both operated by international companies. Moving from equity participation to full operatorship will require building technical, financial and project management capacity at pace.

Yakaar-Teranga and the Future of MSGBC Gas Development

Yakaar-Teranga reflects a broader shift taking shape across Africa’s gas sector. As financing conditions tighten and governments focus on accelerating project delivery and value creation, new development models are emerging across the continent.

The project is expected to feature at MSGBC Oil, Gas & Power 2026, where policymakers, national oil companies and investors will examine how the region can move from resource discovery to project execution. Against this backdrop, Yakaar-Teranga offers a relevant case study for discussions around offshore gas development, project structuring and monetization strategies across the MSGBC basin.

With similar opportunities developing in Mauritania, The Gambia and Guinea-Bissau, the conference will provide a platform to assess how regional players and international partners can accelerate project delivery and strengthen investment frameworks across emerging gas markets. For Senegal, Yakaar-Teranga represents a defining step in its gas development trajectory.