The upstream sector is set to carry strong momentum into 2026, with high-impact wildcat drilling activity expected to remain elevated following a solid 2025. Such activity in 2026 is expected to drive exploration momentum higher in specific basins and countries, with 42 such wells identified globally. Africa is set to continue leading global activity, accounting for around 40% of planned high-impact exploration wells, driven largely along the Atlantic margin, with exploration expected to focus on the Orange Basin in Southern Africa and the Gulf of Guinea in West Africa, reinforcing the region’s role in global high-impact drilling. Aatisha Mahajan, Head of Exploration, Oil & Gas Research, Rystad EnergyLearn more with Rystad Energy’s Upstream solution. Outside Africa, Asia accounts for eight high-impact wells, led by Indonesia with four, followed by India and Malaysia with two each.

Source: The North Africa Journal January 28, 2026 07:47 UTC