“The government took the decision to award two blocks in Albertine Graben to the national company Sonahydroc,” said Joel Fumbwe, Upstream Technical Advisor to the Minister Hydrocarbons. “Sonahydroc will fund a partner to finalize exploration in the area – this is one of the opportunities open to companies.”

While there is no formal licensing round currently underway, the DRC has several other open blocks available for exploration, including acreage near Perenco’s producing concession on the Atlantic coast and across the underexplored Central and Eastern basins.

Fumbwe emphasized that attracting investment is a top priority for the Ministry, and that sector-wide reform is underway to make the legal and fiscal environment more appealing to international companies. “We are under deep reform. Our law wasn’t attractive for investment – we are working on that,” he said. “At the same time, we are building a strategy to reinforce our national companies.”

The DRC currently produces around 18,000 barrels of oil per day, primarily from Perenco-operated fields. With much of the country underexplored, the government is looking to boost production and establish new partnerships across its upstream sector.

On the midstream side, Fumbwe noted continued investment in infrastructure, including a pipeline connecting a Zambian refinery to Lubumbashi in southern DRC. Growing mining activity in the region has driven up demand for refined oil products, reinforcing the need for new transport and distribution solutions.

“America for us is an open door under the discussions we are having with the U.S. Government,” said Fumbwe, signaling the DRC’s interest in expanding cooperation with U.S. energy players.

With awarded blocks ready for development, additional acreage available and reforms in progress, the DRC is emerging as a compelling frontier for oil and gas investors willing to engage early and build long-term partnerships.