SONAP

The Société Nationale des Pétroles de Guinée (SONAP) (SONAP) is the national oil company of the Republic of Guinea, established to manage and advance the country’s emerging oil and gas sector. Formed in December 2021 through the merger of the former petroleum administration (ONAP) and the national petroleum import entity (SONIP), SONAP serves as Guinea-Conakry’s central state-owned petroleum enterprise responsible for both upstream and downstream activities.

SONAP’s mandate includes the administration of national petroleum policy, exploration coordination, hydrocarbon resource evaluation, importation and distribution of petroleum products, and market development. The company plays a pivotal role in Guinea’s strategic efforts to unlock its hydrocarbon potential by leveraging extensive geological data, building technical capabilities, and fostering partnerships with international energy firms. Under the leadership of its Director General, SONAP has strengthened its operational capacity and established key technical infrastructure—such as the National Seismic Data Visualization Center—to support data-driven exploration programs.

As Guinea emerges as a new oil and gas frontier in West Africa, SONAP is actively involved in the delineation of prospective exploration blocks, investor engagement, and the development of regulatory frameworks that attract upstream and midstream investment. Its role spans both resource stewardship and commercial implementation, positioning the company as a strategic interface between government policy and private sector participation.