Despite the unfavorable global challenges, some African countries remain one of the main players in oil production on the continent. However, March 2025 was not a difficult period for some oil producers in Africa, as they recorded a general decrease in production quantities.
This decline is largely attributed to the recent introductory measures imposed by the United States to protect some strategic sectors in the economy.
According to the data published by the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC), 5 African countries were distinguished by the size of their production, although the general trend was declining.
General decline with special amendments
In March 2025, most of the countries producing Africa were affected by increasing the definitions imposed by the United States on oil exports.
Among the 5 largest oil producers on the continent, Nigeria recorded a decline in its production by 25 thousand barrels per day. Despite the strategic measures taken by the Nigerian government to enhance production, it was significantly affected by American policies.
On the other hand, the Congo Brazzaville achieved a distinguished performance in this month, as it managed to increase its production by one million barrels per day, to be the only country among the major producers to increase its production.
This achievement is attributed to the start of new drilling facilities and improved stability in export infrastructure.
The future of oil in Africa
While African producers continue to face market fluctuations, the Congo Brazzaville appears as an example of a transformation of the continent’s energy map.
This country may become a model of success in light of the increasing investments in infrastructure and exploration, while continuing other countries to strive to diversify their economies away from excessive dependence on oil.
The challenges that occur in the global oil market, according to analysts, including international commercial policies, remain factors in how to manage African oil resources.
Consequently, the producing countries must adjust their strategies in order to maintain their attractiveness in this volatile market, between modernizing installations and developing more flexible investment strategies.
The first five producers in Africa in March 2025:
1- Nigeria: 1,515 million barrels (-25 thousand barrels)
2- Libya: 1,262 million barrels (-22 thousand barrels)
3- Algeria: 912 thousand barrels (-2 thousand barrels)
4- Congo Brazzaville: 259 thousand barrels (+1 million barrels)
5- Gabon: 222 thousand barrels (-1 thousand barrels)
March 2025 data show that the oil market in Africa is going through a period of great fluctuations, as a result of a group of global and local factors that directly affect African production and economics.
While oil remains the vital resource of many African countries, the impact of global trade policies, such as the increase in the customs tariffs imposed by the United States, highlights the fragility of these economies in the face of global crises.
Despite the challenges faced by the major African oil producers, the Congo remains the most prominent example in this context, as it has been able to achieve a noticeable increase in production thanks to new investments in infrastructure and exploration, indicating that the African countries that invest in the development of these sectors may remain able to achieve growth even in times of crisis.
Oil experts believe that improving infrastructure stability and promoting investments in the field are one of the main factors that can enhance African countries’ ability to compete in global markets.
