Sonatrach, GNPC expand upstream innovation through new R&D agreement

Sonatrach and Ghana National Petroleum Corporation (GNPC) have signed a memorandum of understanding to collaborate on research and development initiatives aimed at strengthening upstream oil and gas capabilities across Africa.

The agreement, signed under the auspices of the African Petroleum Producers Organization (APPO), establishes a framework for technical cooperation, knowledge sharing and joint evaluation of R&D opportunities related to exploration, production and reservoir management. The collaboration is intended to support more efficient development of hydrocarbon resources while improving recovery and operational performance.

The scope of cooperation includes advanced onshore and offshore seismic technologies, digital subsurface analysis, artificial intelligence–enabled interpretation, 4D seismic, real-time reservoir modeling, enhanced and improved oil recovery, and well integrity and corrosion management. The agreement also includes work on emissions management, carbon footprint reduction and other technologies aligned with energy transition objectives alongside core upstream operations.

For Ghana, the partnership comes as the country looks to revitalize oil production and expand gas development through increased use of technology. GNPC is working with international partners, including Tullow Oil and Kosmos Energy, on continued development of the Jubilee field, where drilling and redevelopment campaigns are planned as part of a multiyear upstream investment program. Ghana is also advancing gas monetization projects to support domestic power generation and regional energy demand.

Algeria, one of Africa’s largest oil and gas producers, is pursuing sustained investment to offset natural decline and maintain production levels. Sonatrach’s strategy emphasizes exploration, improved recovery from mature assets and modernization of infrastructure, supported by increased deployment of digital technologies and advanced subsurface workflows. The R&D partnership with GNPC provides a platform to apply this technical experience in collaborative projects with other African national oil companies.

The companies said the agreement reflects a shared interest in using technology, data and innovation to address common upstream challenges, improve capital efficiency and extend the productive life of oil and gas assets across the continent.

Pictured: Tullow Oil's FPSO Kwame Nkrumah MV21, operating in Ghana's offshore Jubilee field.