The Ivoirian Government has approved the creation of Petroci CI-26, a wholly owned subsidiary of state-owned Petroci Holding, to take over and operate the CI-26 (Espoir) oil block following the expiry of the rights held by former operator Canadian National Resources (CNR). The decree authorises the transfer of the block’s oil assets to the new entity, which will manage operations on behalf of the state.
In July 2026, CNR formally transferred the Espoir field assets and operatorship to Petroci Holding, ending its tenure as operator of the block. In 2024, the CI-26 (Espoir) oil block accounted for 10% of the country’s crude oil output.