Foreword to the English Edition

This English edition is based on the original French-language work authored by Charles, which provides a comprehensive examination of the West African petroleum industry and the geological, technical, economic, fiscal, regulatory, governance, and socio-political factors that shape the development and management of hydrocarbon resources across the region.

As interest in West Africa’s petroleum sector continues to grow internationally, it became apparent that there was value in making this work accessible to a broader audience through an English-language edition. However, the objective was not simply to produce a direct translation of the original French text.

During the preparation of this edition, the manuscript was comprehensively reviewed, translated into English, and substantially expanded to reflect developments within the petroleum industry, changes in regional energy markets, and emerging challenges facing petroleum-producing countries across West Africa. Additional material has been incorporated to provide greater technical depth, improve clarity, and broaden the relevance of the work for petroleum professionals, government officials, regulators, investors, academics, and students.

Several new sections have been introduced, including expanded discussions on petroleum value creation, gas monetisation, refining and petrochemical development, regional energy integration, technical capacity building, petroleum data management, indigenous African participation, infrastructure development, and the future role of hydrocarbons in supporting Africa’s industrialisation and economic transformation. Additional figures, tables, examples, and explanatory material have also been incorporated to improve understanding of complex technical and commercial concepts.

While every effort has been made to preserve the intent, themes, and objectives of the original French manuscript, this English edition should be regarded as an expanded and updated version rather than a literal translation. The underlying vision remains unchanged: to encourage informed discussion regarding how African countries can maximise the value derived from their petroleum resources and utilise those resources as a catalyst for sustainable economic development.

The petroleum industry is undergoing significant transformation. Energy security, climate considerations, technological innovation, regional integration, and local capacity development are increasingly shaping the future of hydrocarbon-producing nations. For Africa, the challenge is not simply to produce oil and gas, but to convert natural resource wealth into long-term prosperity through strong institutions, sound governance, industrial development, technical excellence, and strategic investment.

It is hoped that this book will contribute to that discussion and serve as a useful reference for policymakers, regulators, national oil companies, industry professionals, investors, researchers, and students seeking a deeper understanding of the opportunities and challenges associated with petroleum resource development in West Africa.

The publication of this English edition would not have been possible without the vision, commitment, and original work of Charles, whose contribution forms the foundation upon which this expanded edition has been built.

Matthew
Petroleum Geologist

Independent Petroleum Technical Advisor
2026