Egypt’s oil and gas sector entered 2025 with renewed momentum, marked by upstream progress, expanding gas infrastructure and strategic reforms designed to attract long-term investment. With rising investor interest, a maturing regulatory environment and continued commitments to domestic energy security, the milestones achieved in 2025 are shaping Egypt’s trajectory for 2026 and beyond – positioning the country to unlock additional hydrocarbon potential and reinforce its role as a regional energy hub.
Egypt, Cheiron Sign $30M Exploration and Production Agreement
Egypt’s Ministry of Petroleum and Mineral Resources signed an oil exploration and production agreement with energy company Cheiron, unlocking $30 million in investment for development activities in the East Hemsa offshore area. Under the agreement, Cheiron will drill four wells at the site.
Eni Announces $8B Investment in Egypt
Energy major Eni announced in November 2025 plans to invest up to $8 billion in Egypt following a meeting with President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi. The investment will focus on extending the life of legacy assets in Sinai and the offshore Nile Delta, alongside short-cycle, infrastructure-led upstream projects.
ExxonMobil to Invest in a New Gas Concession
ExxonMobil signed a Letter of Intent with the Egyptian Natural Gas Holding Company in November 2025 to expand research and exploration activities across Egypt’s Mediterranean region. The agreement includes investment in a new concession west of the Zohr field, strengthening ExxonMobil’s upstream footprint in the country.
QatarEnergy Completes Farm-In at North Rafah Block
Integrated energy company QatarEnergy completed a farm-in transaction at Egypt’s North Rafah exploration block in November 2025, acquiring a 40% participating interest in the offshore concession. Operated by Eni, the block covers approximately 3,000 square-kilometers in the Mediterranean Sea.
Egypt to Launch International Bid Round
In October 2025, Egypt announced plans to launch an international bid round offering acreage in the Red Sea. The bid round will include four offshore blocks and aligns with Egypt’s five-year oil and gas exploration strategy, which targets 480 new exploration wells and $5.7 billion in investment.
QatarEnergy Acquires 27% in Cleopatra Block
QatarEnergy signed an agreement with Shell to acquire a 27% participating interest in the North Cleopatra block, part of the offshore Herodotus Basin. The block spans over 3,400 square-kilometers, with Shell retaining a 36% stake and operatorship. Chevron holds a further 27%, while Tharwa Petroleum Company owns the remaining 10%.
Egypt Awards O&G Contracts to Three Companies
Egypt awarded three oil and gas exploration contracts worth more than $121 million to international companies in October 2025. UAE-based Dragon Oil was awarded the East El-Hamd concession in the Gulf of Suez, committing $40.5 million to drill three wells. Perenco Egypt secured a $46 million contract for the North Sinai Offshore area, also planning three wells. Apache Egypt received five exploration blocks in the Western Desert, committing $35 million to drill 14 wells.
bp Signs MOU for Five-Well Drilling Program
Energy major bp signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Egyptian government for a five-well drilling campaign in the Mediterranean Sea. Drilling is scheduled to begin in 2026, with tie-back opportunities expected following successful results.
Eni Completes Drilling at Zohr 6
Eni completed drilling operations at the Zohr 6 well in the Mediterranean Sea, adding 60 million cubic feet per day to the Zohr field’s production capacity. Drilling of the Zohr 13 well is currently underway.
Ganope and Lukoil Sign Eastern Desert Exploration Agreement
Egypt’s Ganope and Russia’s Lukoil signed an exploration and production agreement covering the Eastern Desert. The partners will conduct a 3D seismic survey and plan to drill six exploration wells in the South Wadi El Sahl block.