Significant rightholding changes took place in central and southern Africa during 1989. Angola, Benin, Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Gabon, Ghana, Kenya, Malagasy Republic, Senegambia, Somali Republic, and Zambia announced awards or acreage open for bidding. Decreases in exploratory rightholdings occurred in Cameroon, Gabon, Ghana, Liberia, Mozambique, Senegambia, Tanzania, Togo, and Zambia.

More wells and greater footage were drilled in 1989 compared to 1988. Total wells increased by 8% as 267 wells were completed compared to 246 in 1988. Footage drilled during 1989 increased by 1% as about 2.16 million ft were drilled compared to about 2.14 million ft in 1988. The success rate for exploration wells in 1989 declined slightly to 41% compared to 49% in 1988. Significant discoveries were reported in Angola, Gabon, and Nigeria.

Seismic acquisition was the major geophysical activity during 1989. Seismic activity (2-D and 3-D) increased by 42% to about 352 crew-months. Total 2-D seismic kilometers recorded increased significantly to about 150,896 km compared to 67,500 in 1988. Geological field work and gravity and magnetic surveys continued to decline from the low levels of activity recorded in 1988.

Total oil production in 1989 was 982 million bbl (about 2.7 million b/d), an increase of 12%. The increase in production is a result of gains recorded by Gabon (32%), Nigeria (17%), and Congo (13%). Nigerian production accounted for 62% of the total regional production. The production share of OPEC countries (Nigeria and Gabon) versus non-OPEC countries increased from 66% in 1988 to 70% in 1989.