The Ivorian oil industry is reaching a new milestone with the official transfer of operations of the Espoir field (block CI-26) to Petroci Holding, which was formalized on Friday, July 24, 2026 at the General Directorate of Hydrocarbons. As of midnight on the same date, the national company took over from the Canadian company CNR to become the operator of this strategic permit, previously operated by a consortium consisting of CNR (outgoing operator), Tullow Oil, and Petroci Holding.
Under the chairmanship of Alpha Yaya Ouattara, representing the Director General of Hydrocarbons, the ceremony brought together key figures in the case: Fatoumata Sanogo, CEO of Petroci Holding, and Murray Rattray, representing CNR, who signed the transfer document. The event also saw the official presentation of Mabintou Tatiana Cissé, appointed CEO of Petroci CI-26, the new subsidiary created to ensure the management and operation of the oil block.
Beyond its administrative aspect, this operation has a strategic dimension for the national energy sector. The takeover of the Espoir field – considered one of the iconic assets of the Ivorian oil industry, discovered in 1980 off the coast of Jacqueville – demonstrates the willingness of the authorities and Petroci Holding to strengthen national operational capacities and consolidate expertise acquired over the years. The creation of Petroci CI-26 is part of this dynamic, with the aim of promoting a more integrated and efficient management of national oil resources.
Participants in the ceremony unanimously welcomed this transition and expressed their wishes for success to the new leadership team. Their mission will be to conduct operations in block CI-26 and contribute to enhancing the reputation of the Ivorian oil industry on the regional and international stages.
