Heirs Energies, one of Africa’s rapidly growing independent oil and gas companies, has unveiled an ambitious plan to double its crude oil production by the end of the decade while expanding operations across the continent.
The announcement was made by Chief Executive Officer Osa Igiehon during an interview with Bloomberg on the sidelines of the Namibia Oil & Gas Conference (NOGC) 2025. According to Igiehon, the company’s strategy is centered on scaling up production from its flagship asset, Oil Mining Lease 17 (OML 17), and exploring new opportunities in key African markets.
OML 17, a prime onshore block in Nigeria’s oil-rich Niger Delta, was acquired by Heirs Energies from Shell Plc in 2021. Since the acquisition, the company has nearly doubled output from the field, ramping up production from about 27,000 barrels per day to approximately 55,000 barrels per day.
“This growth reflects our operational efficiency and our commitment to unlocking the full value of our assets,” Igiehon said. “Our goal is to double current output by 2030, and this will require targeted investments, innovation, and strategic partnerships across Africa.”
The company’s expansion blueprint includes not only increased crude oil production but also investment in gas projects, which align with Africa’s broader energy transition goals. Heirs Energies is also actively exploring opportunities in emerging oil frontiers, particularly in Namibia, where recent offshore discoveries have attracted significant global interest.
Industry analysts view Heirs Energies’ growth trajectory as a sign of the increasing influence of African-owned companies in the upstream oil sector, traditionally dominated by international majors.
With rising energy demand across the continent and a focus on indigenous participation in resource development, Heirs Energies’ vision for 2030 positions it as a key player in Africa’s evolving energy landscape.
