• Côte d’Ivoire and Azerbaijan held talks in Abidjan on potential joint projects in oil and gas.

• Azerbaijan’s state oil company SOCAR recently acquired a 10% stake in the offshore Baleine field project.

• Azerbaijan continues to expand its energy partnerships in Africa through agreements and discussions with Congo, Somalia and Egypt.

Côte d’Ivoire and Azerbaijan have launched discussions on potential cooperation in oil and gas projects.

Ivorian officials met an Azerbaijani delegation in Abidjan. The Azerbaijani Deputy Foreign Minister Yalchin Rafiyev led the delegation from Baku, while Rovshan Najaf, president of SOCAR, joined the visit.

Several international media outlets reported the meeting on Friday, March 6. During the meeting, Azerbaijani officials held discussions with representatives from Côte d’Ivoire’s Ministry of Mines, Petroleum and Energy and executives from the national oil company PetroCI. The participants explored cooperation opportunities in the energy sector. They specifically examined the implementation of joint projects in oil and gas.

The participants also reviewed investment opportunities in Côte d’Ivoire’s energy sector. In addition, the discussions addressed issues related to the country’s energy security.

The participants also discussed the Baleine field project. This offshore field ranks among the most significant energy projects currently under development in Côte d’Ivoire.

At the end of January, Eni signed a binding agreement with SOCAR. The Azerbaijani company acquired a 10% stake from the Italian multinational.

As a result, SOCAR joined the project alongside Vitol, which holds 30%, and PetroCI, which holds 22.75%. Operator Eni retained the remaining 37.25% stake.

A series of energy agreements between Baku and African countries

These discussions come as Baku gradually strengthens its energy partnerships across Africa.

In recent months, Azerbaijan has launched several initiatives to develop cooperation in oil and gas exploration, production and infrastructure.

In April 2024, SOCAR signed an agreement with the national oil company of the Republic of the Congo. The partners agreed to cooperate in refining and other downstream petroleum activities. The agreement includes technical expertise exchanges and the evaluation of industrial projects related to hydrocarbon processing.

In March 2025, Baku launched discussions with Somalia on energy cooperation covering oil and gas exploration and resource development. The two countries signed a memorandum of understanding that focuses on knowledge sharing and the potential development of hydrocarbon projects.

Meanwhile, information reported by Agence Ecofin in April 2025 indicated that Azerbaijan also held discussions with Egypt on strengthening cooperation in hydrocarbons. The talks include exploration, production and investment in the energy sector.

This article was initially published in French by Abdel Latif Boureima

Adapted in English by Ange J.A de Berry Quenum