Energy supermajor, Chevron, has appointed Emmanuelle Garinet as Director of Exploration for the Americas and Sub-Saharan Africa, bringing one of the upstream industry’s most experienced exploration geophysicists into a strategic leadership role overseeing discovery efforts across two of the world’s most critical hydrocarbon regions.
The African Energy Chamber (AEC), welcomed the appointment, describing it as a positive signal for exploration investment in Africa. By placing a seasoned executive with decades of regional experience at the helm of Chevron’s discovery strategy, the Chamber anticipates accelerated geological insights, stronger collaboration between operators and host governments, and increased investment in frontier basins.
Expanding Exploration Across Sub-Saharan Africa
Chevron’s African portfolio is entering a new phase of exploration-led growth, reflecting sustained interest in both frontier and established basins.
- Nigeria: Chevron is expanding its deepwater presence after acquiring a 40% stake from TotalEnergies in offshore licenses PPL 2000 and PPL 2001, with a drilling rig expected in late 2026 targeting resources near the Agbami field.
- Namibia: Following major deepwater discoveries in the Orange Basin, Chevron is evaluating prospects in the Walvis Basin and plans to drill a new exploration well in PEL 82 between 2026 and 2027, building on previous Orange Basin activity.
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Angola: Chevron achieved first oil in December 2025 at the South N’dola platform in Block 0, producing approximately 25,000 barrels of oil per day. Associated gas is routed to the Angola LNG plant, supporting national gas monetization and reducing flaring.
For the AEC, these developments underscore exploration’s critical role in unlocking new energy resources, fostering regional economic growth, and enhancing energy security.
Growth Across the Americas
Chevron also maintains a robust upstream presence in the Americas:
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United States: Expansion continues in the Permian Basin, with projected output of around one million barrels of oil equivalent per day in 2026. Deepwater developments in the Gulf of Mexico remain central to long-term growth.
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South America: Chevron’s position in Guyana’s Stabroek Block, strengthened through its acquisition of Hess Corporation, situates the company within one of the world’s fastest-growing offshore provinces. Unconventional development in Argentina’s Vaca Muerta formation further supports regional production growth.
A Career Defined by Global Exploration Leadership
Garinet brings over three decades of experience in exploration geology, subsurface interpretation, and international upstream leadership. She began as a geophysicist before advancing to management roles overseeing major exploration portfolios across Africa, South America, and other regions. Her career includes leadership positions at TotalEnergies during its evolution from Elf Aquitaine to TotalFinaElf and ultimately TotalEnergies.
Among her notable achievements is leading the team behind the Venus discovery offshore Namibia, one of the largest recent deepwater finds, expected to progress toward a final investment decision in 2026.
“Exploration leadership with deep technical expertise and real experience in Africa’s basins is critical as the continent seeks to unlock new resources and attract global investment,” said NJ Ayuk, Executive Chairman of AEC.
“Emmanuelle Garinet brings decades of geological insight and international exploration leadership. Her appointment at Chevron sends a strong signal about the continued importance of African energy development.”
Garinet has also been a vocal advocate for African energy growth, frequently speaking at African Energy Week about the role of advanced seismic data, frontier exploration, and efficient permitting in unlocking new opportunities across the continent.