Total doubles up its bet on Africa – The Wall Street Journal

DUBLIN – The energy rush in Africa is gathering steam as Total has agreed to buy up Anadarko's African assets, including some South African projects. Total has clearly decided that its best bet for growth in a market chock full of giants like Exxon Mobil and Saudi Aramco, is to focus on markets where others dread to tread. Aramco is, obviously, focused on its rich Saudi oilfields, and companies like Exxon Mobil and Shell have found plenty to occupy them in Europe, North America, and the Middle East. Other than Nigeria, however, few companies have sunk much capital into African energy assets. Many of them are worried about the political and security risks that come with operating in less-stable nations, while others haven't seen the need given their assets elsewhere. Total, however, is making an ambitious play for the big leagues and pursuing liquified natural gas opportunities across Africa. It's exciting news for those who want to see South Africa's latent gas and oil reserves developed. – Felicity Duncan

Oil Giant Total SA Goes Further in Liquefied Natural Gas With $8.8 Billion Deal in Africa

By Neanda Salvaterra

(The Wall Street Journal) Total SA's deal to buy Anadarko Petroleum Corp.'s assets in Africa cements the French oil major's position as the world's second-largest provider of liquefied natural gas while pushing its business deeper into dangerous parts of the world.

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