C´te d'ivoire: SOCAR has completed the acquisition of a 10% ownership interest from Italy's Eni S.p.A. in the Baleine oil and gas field development project in the Republic of C´te d'Ivoire. According to Azeri-Press News Agency, the transaction has been finalized following the receipt of all required approvals and satisfaction of the necessary conditions.

Following the completion of the transaction, the ownership interests in the Baleine project are now held by Eni with 37.25%, Vitol with 30%, Petroci holding 22.75%, and SOCAR with its newly acquired 10%. This acquisition marks SOCAR's entry into Africa's upstream sector and aligns with the company's long-term strategy to expand its global upstream footprint.

Discovered in 2021, Baleine is one of the largest oil and gas discoveries in West Africa in recent years. The giant offshore oil and gas field began production in 2023 and is notable for being Africa's first net-zero emissions offshore oil and gas project.