Sahara Group, one of Africa’s foremost energy and infrastructure conglomerates, has unveiled an ambitious plan to increase its upstream crude oil production capacity to 350,000 barrels per day (bbl/d) within the next five years. The target will be driven by enhanced exploration efficiency, strategic asset acquisition, and the recent purchase of seven brand-new oil rigs, underscoring Sahara’s growing footprint in Africa’s energy landscape.
The announcement was made by Leste Aihevba, Chief Technical Officer of Asharami Energy, Sahara Group’s upstream subsidiary, during a strategic investors’ forum held on the sidelines of the Africa Energy Week in Cape Town, South Africa. Aihevba highlighted that the acquisition of the new rigs will significantly improve Sahara’s operational execution, drilling precision, and production turnaround time across its diverse upstream assets.
Strategic Expansion in Africa’s Upstream Market
Sahara Group’s upstream arm, Asharami Energy, operates a portfolio of oil and gas assets across Nigeria, Ghana, Côte d’Ivoire, and other sub-Saharan markets. The company’s expansion is part of Sahara’s long-term strategic vision to consolidate its position as a key player in Africa’s hydrocarbon value chain while driving sustainable growth and regional energy integration.
According to Aihevba, the acquisition of the seven rigs represents a substantial investment in the Group’s technical infrastructure and production capabilities. The new rigs are expected to enhance exploration and development operations, improve recovery efficiency, and reduce downtime. These advancements will play a central role in Sahara’s bid to increase crude oil output from current levels to 350,000 bbl/d by 2030.
“This acquisition marks a transformative phase in Sahara Group’s upstream operations,” Aihevba said. “We are optimizing every aspect of our value chain to deliver efficiency, sustainability, and competitiveness. The journey toward a secure and sustainable energy future for Africa cannot be travelled in silos. It requires collaboration, innovation, and responsible investment.”
Focus on Regional Collaboration and Energy Security
Aihevba emphasized that Sahara Group’s growth strategy is closely aligned with Africa’s broader energy security and sustainability objectives, particularly as the continent seeks to balance crude oil production with the transition to cleaner energy. He noted that Sahara’s expansion is not just about volume but also about value creation through technology, local content development, and human capacity enhancement.
“Our focus is on building a resilient upstream portfolio that supports Africa’s industrial growth while ensuring local participation and environmental stewardship,” he stated. “By investing in new technology and local partnerships, we are positioning Sahara Group as a catalyst for sustainable energy development across the continent.”
Driving Sustainable Energy and Economic Growth
The move comes amid renewed investor interest in Africa’s upstream oil and gas sector, as countries across the region seek to harness their natural resources for economic diversification. Sahara Group’s investment aligns with Nigeria’s ongoing efforts to boost oil production, improve domestic refining capacity, and attract fresh foreign direct investment into the energy sector.
Sahara Group’s integrated business model spans the entire energy value chain, including upstream exploration and production, midstream storage and transportation, downstream marketing and trading, and power generation. The Group is leveraging this vertically integrated approach to strengthen its value proposition and deliver end-to-end energy solutions across Africa and beyond.
Building Resilience Amid Market Volatility
Industry analysts have commended Sahara Group’s proactive investment strategy, describing it as a forward-looking move amid global oil market volatility and energy transition pressures. The acquisition of new drilling rigs, according to experts, positions Sahara to capitalize on favorable market conditions, improve cost efficiency, and enhance long-term shareholder value.
With global energy demand projected to rise significantly in the coming decade, Sahara’s focus on upstream growth provides both strategic flexibility and operational resilience. The Group’s approach also aligns with broader regional efforts to reduce dependency on imported refined products and enhance self-sufficiency in energy production.
Commitment to Africa’s Energy Future
Beyond expanding its production capacity, Sahara Group continues to champion sustainable practices across its operations. Through Asharami Energy, the company has implemented initiatives focused on reducing gas flaring, optimizing resource utilization, and investing in community development programs in its host regions.
Aihevba reaffirmed Sahara’s commitment to environmental stewardship and inclusive growth, adding that the Group is exploring opportunities in renewable energy and carbon capture technologies as part of its long-term decarbonization agenda.
Outlook
As Africa’s energy market evolves, Sahara Group’s acquisition of seven new oil rigs signals a major step in its mission to lead Africa’s upstream renaissance. With an ambitious production target of 350,000 barrels per day, a robust technical base, and a strong regional presence, Sahara is poised to play a pivotal role in shaping the continent’s energy future.
Industry watchers expect the company’s continued investments to not only boost its operational capacity but also contribute significantly to Africa’s energy independence and economic resilience.
