This review presents developments on petroleum exploration and production activity during 1978 in 45 countries of central and southern Africa.

Petroleum was produced in 7 countries with a cumulative production of 851,285,310 bbl (2.33 million b/d), an 8.6% decrease from the 1977 production level. Production increases were reported in Cameroun (93%), where the Ekoundou field went on stream at the end of 1978, and Congo (25%). Ghana recorded its first production from the Saltpond field in October 1978. These increases were offset by larger decreases in Angola (21%), Gabon (6%), Nigeria (9%), and Zaire (20%). Total annual gas production decreased 15% to 510,600 MMcf (1,399 MMCFGD).

Surface exploration work increased 34% to 210.75 party-months, including 185.1 party-months of seismic, 13.6 gravity, 10.05 magnetometer, and 2 geology.

A total of 252 wells was drilled, an increase of 7 wells (3%) from 1977. Exploratory drilling was 114, the same as in 1977; 48 of the exploratory wells were discoveries, a success rate of 42%.

New-field discoveries were reported in Nigeria (22), Cameroun, Gabon, Angola, Chad, Ivory Coast, Congo, Ghana, and Zaire. A total of 66 unsuccessful wildcats was drilled in 10 countries.

Development drilling amounted to 138 wells in Nigeria (69), Congo, Cameroun, Gabon, Angola, and Ghana, with a 91% compounded success rate. Total wildcat and development footage was 2,084,694 (635,417 m). At year end 34 rigs were operating.