This review covers the petroleum exploration and production activities in 45 countries or provinces of Africa, excluding Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia, Libya, Egypt, and Sudan.

Surface exploration work increased 23% to 485.8 party-months of which seismograph was 299.4, surface geology 73.8, gravimeter 63.8, photogeology 22.5, magnetometer 21.5, and structural drilling 2.8.

Exploratory drilling increased from 112 to 120 wildcats with 29% success, slightly less than in 1973. New-field discoveries were reported in Angola, Cameroon, Congo, Gabon, Ghana, Ivory Coast, and Nigeria. A total of 22 unsuccessful wildcats was drilled in 7 other countries.

Development drilling amounted to 277 wells in Angola, Congo, Gabon, and Nigeria, with an 89% success ratio. Total wildcat and development footage was 3,537,519 (1,078,236 m). Average well depth was 8,910 ft (2,716 m) compared to 8,763 ft (2,670 m) in 1973. At year-end 51 rigs were operating.

Total annual oil production increased 11.4% from 878.3 to 951.8 million bbl, with an average rate of 2.6 million BOPD. Production increases were recorded in Angola 7.6%, Congo 19.8, Gabon 1.1, and Nigeria 8.7. Total annual gas production was up 4.7% to 799,669 MMcf (2,191 MMCFD).