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Société Nationale des Pétroles (SONAP), the national oil company of Guinea-Conakry, has joined African Energy Week (AEW) 2025: Invest in African Energies as a Bronze Partner. As Guinea takes bold steps to position itself as a new frontier in African oil and gas exploration, SONAP’s participation signals the country’s intent to engage global investors and industry leaders on its growing energy ambitions.

Under the leadership of Director General Laciné Condé, who is confirmed to speak at the event, SONAP is spearheading efforts to drive exploration, implement a robust regulatory framework and position Guinea as a stable, transparent and investment-ready energy frontier. AEW 2025: Invest in African Energies provides a timely platform for SONAP to amplify its vision, showcase ongoing institutional reforms and build strategic partnerships to unlock the country’s vast offshore and onshore hydrocarbon potential.

Guinea’s upstream sector is currently in the early stages of development, with 22 exploration blocks identified for a potential upcoming licensing round. As part of efforts to stimulate interest and promote transparency, SONAP has established the country’s first national seismic data visualization center, providing access to over 15,000 km² of 3D seismic and 45,000 km² of 2D seismic data. To deepen geological understanding and attract qualified operators, SONAP is actively seeking technical partners to conduct additional 3D seismic acquisition offshore, while also pursuing partnerships for gravity and magnetic surveys onshore.

Meanwhile, the country is forging strategic partnerships and working to expand its downstream capacity, with the goal of securing a stable supply of refined products by diversifying SONAP’s partners and enhancing storage infrastructure. Two petroleum depot projects are currently underway – the Kodiaran depot in Kankan and the Moribayah depot near Forécariah – aimed at boosting national storage and distribution capabilities. In addition, SONAP is actively strengthening its downstream presence through the planned acquisition of new tankers and the development of a nationwide network of service stations.

“SONAP is doing what few national oil companies have done at this early stage – building the right foundation before the boom,” says NJ Ayuk, Executive Chairman of the AEC. “They’re taking a measured, deliberate approach by strengthening institutions, securing partnerships and preparing the country for real, long-term value creation. Guinea is stepping onto the energy map, and we’re proud to welcome SONAP as a Bronze Partner of AEW 2025 to help spotlight this growing frontier.”

With its strategic location along the Atlantic and proximity to major hydrocarbon hotspots like Senegal, Mauritania and Ivory Coast, Guinea offers untapped potential in both conventional oil and natural gas. At AEW 2025, SONAP will be spotlighting its open blocks, regulatory roadmap and upcoming bid rounds, while engaging with IOCs, national oil companies, financiers and geophysical survey providers.

The company’s leadership will participate in high-level discussions on building transparent institutions, managing expectations around future production and creating resilient frameworks that attract long-term investment. SONAP’s presence aligns with AEW’s broader mission of connecting Africa’s emerging markets with global capital and catalyzing energy development across the continent.

AEW: Invest in African Energies is the platform of choice for project operators, financiers, technology providers and government, and has emerged as the official place to sign deals in African energy. Visit www.aecweek.com for more information about this exciting event.