Viridien’s Sylvain Masclet to Speak at MSGBC Oil, Gas & Power 2026 Following Senegal Data Partnership
Petrosen estimates that less than 10% of the MSGBC Basin has been explored, while new industry entrants and data partnerships are drawing attention to the region’s exploration potential.
Sylvain Masclet, Director of Sub-Saharan Africa for Viridien's Earth Data business, has been confirmed as a speaker at MSGBC Oil, Gas & Power 2026, scheduled to take place in Dakar from December 1–3. His participation follows Viridien's August agreement with Senegal's national oil company, Petrosen, to expand subsurface data coverage in the country's portion of the MSGBC Basin.
Viridien and Petrosen Partner on Subsurface Data
Under the multi-client agreement, Viridien will collaborate with Petrosen to expand subsurface data coverage of Senegal's section of the basin. The partnership will combine Viridien's seismic imaging and analytics capabilities with Petrosen's regional geological knowledge.
The agreement also includes capacity-building activities. The partners intend to make the resulting data available to support companies in evaluating exploration opportunities and making investment decisions.
Alioune Seck, CEO of Petrosen E&P, described the partnership as reflecting the company's commitment to strengthening Senegal's attractiveness as a destination for exploration investment.
Less Than 10% of the MSGBC Basin Explored
Headquartered in France, Viridien employs approximately 3,200 people and operates across geoscience, digital and data services.
Its Earth Data division provides explorers with access to multi-client seismic and geological data libraries. The group also works with advanced imaging techniques, including full waveform inversion, which generates high-resolution subsurface models from seismic recordings.
Figures presented by Petrosen at MSGBC Oil, Gas & Power 2025 indicated that less than 10% of the basin had been explored. More than 100,000 km² of 3D seismic coverage was available, while additional surveys were identified as necessary in deeper waters.
Exploration Activity Expands Across the Region
Recent developments indicate continued exploration interest across the MSGBC region.
In June 2026, Eni signed a licence for deepwater Block A1 offshore The Gambia. During the same week, the company secured reconnaissance permits covering 15 offshore blocks in Guinea, spanning approximately 49,000 km².
The Gambia National Petroleum Corporation (GNPC) is also seeking partners to advance exploration activities across its onshore acreage.
MSGBC 2026 to Connect Investors with Exploration Opportunities
MSGBC Oil, Gas & Power 2026 will provide investors with access to upstream opportunities through two initiatives: the inaugural MSGBC Data Room and the MSGBC Investment Forum.
The platforms will enable governments and national oil companies to present available acreage and outline the terms under which they are seeking investment partners. Masclet's participation will bring the perspective of a global data and imaging specialist to discussions on exploration developments across the basin's five member states.
Event Details
Organised by Energy Capital & Power and held under the High Patronage of Senegalese President Bassirou Diomaye Faye, MSGBC Oil, Gas & Power 2026 will take place from December 1–3, 2026, in Dakar.
The event will bring together heads of state, ministers, investors, operators and development partners from Mauritania, Senegal, The Gambia, Guinea-Bissau and Guinea-Conakry.