This review presents information on the petroleum exploration and production activities during 1976 in 45 countries or provinces of Africa. Petroleum was produced in 5 countries with a total production of 897,220,937 bbl (2.4 million b/d), a 12% increase from the 1975 production level. Production increases were recorded in Congo, 11%, and in Nigeria, 16%. Total annual gas production increased 13% to 737,918 MMcf (2,022 MMCFGD).

Surface exploration work decreased by 38% to 170.6 party-months including 132.1 party-months of seismic, 26.0 gravity, 0.5 geology, 3.5 magnetometer, 5.5 structure drilling, and 3.0 photogeology.

A total of 231 wells was drilled, a decrease of 116 (33%) from the 1975 figure. Exploratory drilling decreased by 44% to 70; 25 of the exploratory wells were discoveries, a success rate of 36%. New-field discoveries were reported in Cameroun, Chad, Gabon, Nigeria, and Zaire. A total of 16 unsuccessful wildcats was drilled in 6 other countries. Development drilling amounted to 161 wells in Angola, Congo, Gabon, Nigeria, and Zaire, with an 88% success rate. Total wildcat and development footage was 2,250,263 (685,880 m). At year end 24 rigs were operating.