To create more interest in its oil and gas potential, Ethiopia is setting up a petroleum data management system. The system will provide detailed information to potential foreign investors interested in the East African country’s hydrocarbon possibilities.

According to Ethiopia’s Public Relations Service Head in the Ministry of Mines and Energy, Sofia Mohammed, the project is aimed at building capacity and providing full local and international information on petroleum.

The PR boss also said that agreements had been reached with companies interested in the country’s oil and gas potential. Currently preparations are being made for the government to sign an agreement with Swiss company Lundin Petroleum and exploration negotiations with Global Oil Company are ongoing.

At this time Malaysia’s Petronas is exploring in the country, winning access to explore and develop Blocks 11 and 15 in the Ogaden Basin. Petronas has also won a bid to develop the Calub and Hilala oil and gas fields.  

Arrangements are being looked at for the proposal submitted by K and S, a local company, in collaboration with Westminster Oil Ltd, a British Company, providing for the exploration and development of petroleum in north Gambella and Benishangul Gumuz State, Ms. Mohammed said.