In Conversation with Ponce Nguema: Africa’s Leading Explorationist on Unlocking Upstream Opportunities

Paul Sinclair Interviews Ponce Nguema: Celebrating Exploration Excellence at AOW:Energy 2026

Paul Sinclair: Ponce, congratulations on winning the Exploration Award 2026 and for being featured on the AOW:Energy Exploration Powerlist! It’s fantastic to have you here and to be sat with both a friend and an industry trailblazer, how are you feeling about this recognition, how are things in Cameroon?

Ponce Nguema: Thank you, Paul! Honestly, it’s a huge honour. But I have to say, this award isn’t just mine, I have to also recognise SNH for the opportunity it gave me and it’s a recognition of the incredible team at SNH Cameroon. Exploration will never work without a collaborative team, and I have to say I am proud of what we’ve achieved together. In Cameroon over the past decades, we have moved our sector forward with great leadership and fantastic international partner. Without our technical teams, our partners, and the collaborative spirit of the industry, none of this would have been possible.

Paul: Absolutely. The award reflects not just individual achievement but also the ecosystem that makes exploration thrive. Let’s talk your insights and highlights. You’ve been instrumental in projects like the Yoyo discovery and the Africa Span Seismic Project. Which of these achievements are you especially proud of, and why?

Ponce: Oh, that’s tough because each project has its own story. But the Yoyo discovery really stands out, it showcased Cameroon’s deep offshore potential and proved the commercial viability of areas that were previously underexplored. This story tells us so much about the prospectivity of the basin and petroleum system, and I personally believe this holds huge potential for the country. That discovery opened a whole new chapter in upstream development here, attracting investor interest and laying the foundation for future drilling campaigns.

Then there’s the Africa Span project, which is even broader in scope. By mapping underexplored basins across a broader geography, Africa Span gives us a unique opportunity to share geological knowledge, reduce risks for investors, and identify promising new prospects. Projects like these give me real optimism about the continent’s energy future as they show that collaboration and technology can unlock tremendous value which is what we all want.

Paul: Optimism is infectious! And clearly, the work you’ve done in around the geology and upstream is your passion and it continues to unlock and create opportunities that attract global attention. In this context Ponce, what current projects at SNH are shaping Cameroon’s upstream outlook?

Ponce: There’s a lot happening! The deep offshore exploration of the Douala-KRIBI/CAMPO (DKC) basin is particularly exciting. With cutting-edge seismic surveys and upcoming drilling campaigns, we’re uncovering resources that could have a significant impact on regional energy security. These are the kind of projects that showcase Cameroon’s potential and demonstrate to investors that we have a mature, investment-ready approach to exploration.

The Société Nationale des Hydrocarbures (SNH) has also launched the 2025 Licensing Round on behalf of the Government of Cameroon to attract exploration investment. Nine blocks are available across the DKC and Rio del Rey (RDR) basins, covering approximately 20,000 km² of prospective acreage, with bidding closing on 30 March 2026. These blocks offer near-term, high-impact potential, backed by ongoing production, established infrastructure, and commercial reserves.

Extensive onshore and offshore discoveries confirm a mature hydrocarbon system, with proven traps ranging from the Lower Cretaceous to Upper Tertiary, including tilted fault blocks, turbidite channels, and deepwater fans. Recent petrophysical and geophysical analysis in the DKC basin has revealed overlooked prospects and new play concepts, highlighted significant untapped potential and reinforcing the basin’s growing appeal for exploration.

In the RDR Basin, we’re shifting focus from the mature shallow Miocene-Pliocene plays to deeper Cenozoic turbidites and the Cretaceous succession, where improved imaging and regional analogues point to significant untapped resources.

Together, these insights show how modern imaging and integrated analysis can unlock prospectivity across both basins. Personally, I believe with the right data, we can attract more investment and more partnership for internation operators and investors

Paul: Africa is clearly on an upward trajectory in exploration. Are there other basins that you think remain underexplored but hold huge potential? Not just in Cameroon, but across the continent as a whole

Ponce: Absolutely. Douala-KRIBI/CAMPO is just the beginning. If I could unlock a basin tomorrow, I’d focus on the NTEM Block within that same DKC basin, it has compelling geological potential that hasn’t yet been fully realized. And beyond Cameroon, the Baleine area in Côte d’Ivoire shows us what’s possible when you combine persistence, technology, and collaboration. These basins are reminders that the African subsurface still holds enormous, untapped potential.

Paul: That’s exciting! And it ties perfectly into the mission of AOW:Energy. To showcase geology to unlock potential from your perspective, why is this platform so vital for Africa’s upstream sector?

Ponce: Platforms like AOW:Energy are where connections happen, we visited last year and it was a catalyst for a lot of new conversations. Our showcase allowed us to set out our ambitions and set out our subsurface to new partners. AOW:Energy provides a forum to exchange ideas, showcase new discoveries, and highlight investment-ready projects. For me in 2025 in Accra it was clear this is a niche event where momentum is built in exploration and real discussions happen. I also felt it is where geological potential is presented to the right people, and where projects gain the visibility and partnerships they need to succeed. Without platforms like AOW:Energy, it would be much harder to bring the right actors together and convert potential into tangible deals.

Paul: Collaboration really is the name of the game. What message would you share with peers about working together through events like AOW:Energy?

Ponce: Keep the dialogue alive, exchange experiences, and never give up. The more we share knowledge, technical insights, and principles, the faster we accelerate exploration success in Africa. And honestly, it’s a lot of fun connecting with people who share the same vision for our continent. You see colleagues and investors come together over a shared interest in geology and opportunity and that energy is what drives deals forward.

Paul: I couldn’t agree more! With that in mind, how do you view the commitment of SNH and the Cameroonian to developing more exploration and production

Ponce: For me Paul we want to send a clear message that SNH and the government are ready to develop new business. Our subsurface is perfect, but we are working closely with industry to develop the best policy and regulation to attract new partners. The West and Central African upstream story is booming, and we really feel now is the time for Cameroon.  for business, transparent, and committed to working with international investors. That’s why platforms like AOW:Energy are indispensable, they create the space for trust, visibility, and action and a place we can engage global partners.

Paul: Absolutely. Now, looking ahead to AOW:Energy 2026, what can attendees expect when they meet you and the SNH team?

Ponce: Energy, optimism, and opportunity! We’ll be showcasing Cameroon’s deep offshore potential. We’ll also highlight our regulatory frameworks and take time to set out why Cameroon is an investment destination both above and below ground. I was proud to accept the explorationists award as I really felt it gave more opportunities to talk about the amazing projects we have been working on and to showcase Cameroon further. I am very grateful to the SNH Leadership and particularly Adolphe MOUDIKI for allowing me to attend AOW:Energy and for using AOW:Energy as a strong platform for growth for Cameroon

Paul: Ponce, it’s been fantastic hearing your insights. Before we wrap up, what does winning the Exploration Award and being on the AOW:Energy Powerlist mean for you personally?

Ponce: It’s incredibly humbling. But more than that and in all honesty, it’s a reminder that together we can achieve a lot via unity and partnership in Africa. We all need to act now to take advantage of the opportunity our subsurface has to offer in Africa and we must move forward with energy and a unified message of developing prosperity as a single sector. It’s about making it easier for investors to see Africa’s potential, for governments to attract investment, and for teams to work together toward common goals. Recognition like this highlights the value of platforms like AOW:Energy, where the industry comes together not just to celebrate success, but to also create the next wave of deals.

Paul: 100% agree Ponce. And from my perspective, celebrating your work underlines this also and creates more awareness of the people making the difference in our collective objective. So, lets celebrate your spirit of collaboration, your technical excellence, and your nomination for the award and the power list.  Genuinely Ponce, we are lucky to have your skills and excellence to move us forward.

Ponce: Thank you, Paul! See you at AOW:Energy 2026 to move more deals forward, I’m actually really excited, it’s going to be incredible. The whole industry is coming together to learn, connect, and create deals that will shape Africa’s energy future. And that’s what makes this platform so special.