Mali is the largest country in West Africa and yet is one of the least known to the hydrocarbon industry, with a total of only five exploration wells. It is also one of the poorest countries in the world. With interest increasing in neighbouring Mauretania and Algeria, is Mali about to move into the hydrocarbon limelight?

After over 50 years of exploration, Senegal has found a number of small fields and produced 11 Bcf of gas, but is still waiting for the big discovery which will help fuel the country’s growing economy. Does it lie in the deep waters of the Atlantic?