This review includes 43 countries, i.e., all of Africa except Morocco, Tunisia, Algeria, Libya, Egypt, and Sudan.

Total annual production for Central and Southern Africa increased by 93% to 113,604,633 bbls. in 1965. This increase was contributed largely by Nigeria, although Gabon also recorded a new high. Production in Congo (Brazzaville) and Angola declined by 15% and 29%, respectively. No other countries produced oil in 1965.

Ninety-nine exploratory wells were completed in 1965 (a new record), of which 41% were successful. Thirty-nine oil discoveries were made in Nigeria and 1 in Gabon. One gas discovery was recorded in Gabon. Exploratory wells were completed, but without successes, in Angola, Cameroun Congo (Leopoldville), Ethiopia, Malagasy Republic, Mozambique, Somali Republic, and Spanish Sahara.

One hundred fifteen development wells, solely in Congo (Leopoldville), Nigeria, and Gabon, were completed with 87% success. A total of 1,960,603 ft. (a new high) of wildcat and development footage was drilled in 1965 in Central and Southern Africa. At the end of the year, 28 rigs were in operation.

Geological-geophysical exploration was greatest in Nigeria. Party-months of various types of exploratory work for all of Central and Southern Africa were as follows: surface geology 44.6; seismograph 219.3; gravimeter 36.8; magnetometer 3.0; photogeology 21.0; and structure drill 6.0. These figures represent a slight increase since 1964. Seismic and gravity activity were up, whereas magnetics and surface geology were down, partly the result of more emphasis on offshore exploration. Another modest increase in overall exploration work during 1966 is indicated by new concession activity as well as expanded drilling plans for several countries.