Libya’s newly confirmed Cyclone oil field is expected to strengthen the country’s plans to expand crude production and reinforce its position among Africa’s leading oil producers, according to a report by the US-based platform Business Insider Africa.
The report said the National Oil Corporation has completed the technical and commercial evaluation of the Cyclone oil field, confirming that the discovery is economically viable and ready to move toward the development and production phase.
The field was discovered in October 2025 by Austrian energy company OMV in Block 103 of the Sirte Basin. It is estimated to contain around 195 million barrels of recoverable oil in the Upper and Lower Sabil reservoirs.
Production from the field is expected to reach approximately 5,000 barrels per day during its initial phase. Development will be carried out by Zueitina Oil Operations Company, which is expected to benefit from the field’s proximity to existing oil infrastructure, reducing development costs and accelerating production.
According to the report, the discovery forms part of Libya’s broader strategy to revive oil and gas exploration after years of limited activity. The country recently launched its first oil and gas licensing round in 18 years and has signed several exploration and production-sharing agreements with international energy companies.
Libya holds Africa’s largest proven oil reserves, estimated at around 48 billion barrels. The country currently produces about 1.4 million barrels of crude oil per day and aims to increase production to 1.6 million barrels per day by the end of the year. Over the longer term, Libya is targeting output of 2 million barrels per day, with new discoveries such as the Cyclone field expected to play a significant role in achieving that objective.
