Cybele Energy Limited has begun preparations to move into the exploration phase of its newly awarded offshore oil block in Guyana, following the signing of a Petroleum Sharing Agreement (PSA) with the Guyanese authorities.
The development marks a historic milestone for African participation in the rapidly expanding South American oil and gas market, with Cybele Energy becoming the first African-owned company to secure an upstream petroleum block in Guyana.
Speaking on the next steps after the agreement, Cybele Energy’s Chief Executive Officer, Beatrice Jones Mensah-Tayui, said the company’s immediate focus is on understanding the geological characteristics of the block through detailed seismic analysis.
“Now that the agreement has been signed, the next stage is to begin the exploration process,” she explained, noting that the science will dictate the pace and direction of the work programme.
According to Ms. Mensah-Tayui, the exploration phase will begin with the acquisition and interpretation of seismic data to build a clearer picture of the subsurface potential of the shallow-water offshore Block S7. She said the company’s geology and geophysics teams will lead this effort, stressing that exploration timelines are largely driven by data quality.
“Our geology and geophysics team will start by analysing seismic data to understand the block profile.
“The timelines will be determined by the quality and nature of the data, because in exploration, the science largely determines your next steps.”
Beatrice Jones Mensah-Tayui, Cybele Energy’s Chief Executive Officer
She described seismic acquisition and interpretation as the first major milestone under the agreed work programme, forming the foundation for subsequent exploration decisions.
Obligation to Drill a Firm Exploration Well
Beyond seismic studies, Cybele Energy is also required under the PSA to drill a firm exploration well within the initial exploration period.
Ms. Mensah-Tayui acknowledged this obligation, explaining that drilling will follow once the seismic data has been thoroughly analysed and interpreted.
“The first milestone is seismic acquisition and interpretation, and then, based on that, we move toward meeting our obligation of drilling a firm well during the initial phase.”
Beatrice Jones Mensah-Tayui, Cybele Energy’s Chief Executive Officer
The company, she added, is approaching the process with discipline and scientific rigor to maximise the chances of success while managing exploration risks.
Cybele Energy’s entry into Guyana’s upstream petroleum sector is widely seen as a landmark achievement for African-owned energy companies seeking to expand beyond the continent.
Guyana has emerged as one of the world’s fastest-growing oil producers, attracting major international oil companies following a series of significant offshore discoveries.
By securing Block S7, Cybele Energy positions itself as a trailblazer, demonstrating that African firms can compete in highly competitive global upstream markets. Industry observers say the move opens the door for more African participation in frontier and emerging petroleum provinces.
Opportunities for Ghanaian Businesses and Professionals
Ms. Mensah-Tayui said the development creates new opportunities not only for Cybele Energy, but also for Ghanaian businesses and professionals across the oil and gas value chain.
She encouraged Ghanaian service providers, engineers and technical experts to look beyond domestic markets and consider Guyana as a destination for growth.
The Cybele Energy CEO called for stronger Ghana–Guyana collaboration, describing it as a mutually beneficial pathway for skills development and investment. “Ghanaians should look to doing business in Guyana, but not in isolation from the Guyanese people,” she said, emphasising the importance of partnership-based approaches.
While highlighting opportunities, Ms. Mensah-Tayui was clear that investors must respect Guyana’s local content laws, which are designed to ensure that petroleum development benefits local communities and businesses.
“Partnership is key. Collaboration allows for knowledge transfer, technology sharing and sustainable development that benefits both sides.”
Beatrice Jones Mensah-Tayui, Cybele Energy’s Chief Executive Officer
According to her, working closely with Guyanese partners will help foreign investors comply with regulatory requirements while building trust and local capacity.
Ultimately, Cybele Energy’s entry into Guyana’s upstream sector represents more than a single corporate milestone. It signals the growing maturity and ambition of African energy companies and highlights the potential for deeper South–South cooperation in the global energy industry.
With exploration activities set to begin and partnerships on the horizon, Cybele Energy’s journey in Guyana is being closely watched as a test case for African participation in one of the world’s most dynamic oil provinces.
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