RECOMMENDATIONS ON STRATEGIC SELECTION OF EXPLORATION AREAS IN AFRICA

Various types of sedimentary basins with different structure styles in different locations were formed in the Africa, in resulting of the plate movements since Paleozoic to Cenozoic. Those basins can be summarized as following types: Paleozoic and Mesozoic flexure basins, Mesozoic and Cenozoic continental margin rift basins, intra-plate rift basin and continental margin progradational deltaic basins. The differences of paleosedimentary environments resulted in unique basin-filling and petroleum systems in the various basins. Up to date, 5 plays have been proved with substantial findings by exploration drillings. Those basins were categorized and ranked though integrated geological evaluation on the play elements, basin analog analysis in various exploration maturities and ultimate exploration potential. Meanwhile, strategic exploration areas were recommended in terms of short-, middle- and long-term perceptions in accordance with the investment environment of Africa and strengths of a China oil company.