The Rwanda Mines, Petroleum, and Gas Board (RMB) has disclosed the finding of 13 oil wells in Lake Kivu, based on recent explorations.
However, more research is necessary to assess the oil volume and extraction costs.
“The positive news is that we’ve found oil. Initial research in Lake Kivu shows 13 wells with oil signs,” stated Francis Kamanzi, CEO of RMB, during a parliamentary session on January 15, 2025.
He noted that, considering findings in nearby regions like Uganda where oil was found in Lake Albert, part of the same geological rift running from Lake Kivu to Lake Tanganyika, there’s a strong belief in the presence of oil in Rwanda.
Kamanzi discussed this during a meeting with the Parliamentary Committee on Governance, Gender Equality, and the Ministry of Environment.
Oil exploration in Rwanda was initiated years ago but paused in 2014, resuming after Black Swan Energy from Canada suggested that parts of Eastern Kivu could be rich in oil and gas. The known methane in Lake Kivu hinted at possible oil reserves, as methane often coexists with oil.
He optimistically remarked, “Given that Lake Kivu is deeper than others in the region, we might hold more oil than our neighbors.”
While initial findings confirm oil, extensive exploration is needed to understand the quantity, quality, and economic feasibility. This includes drilling for samples at significant costs, with each well potentially costing over $15 million (about Frw 20 billion).
Previous explorations reached depths of 480 meters, using equipment to gather lakebed samples, confirming methane and suggesting oil.
The next exploration phase will use sophisticated technology to map the lakebed more accurately, pinpointing oil and gas locations. The cost for previous phases was Frw 1.7 billion, with future phases expected to range between Frw 8 to 10 billion.
The oil from Lake Kivu could range from solid asphalt to liquid fuels like diesel or gasoline, or gas, with the exact nature to be confirmed by further analysis.
Extraction would involve drilling into the lakebed, reinforcing with sand or gravel, and then installing pipes to bring the oil to the surface.
The discovery of oil in Lake Kivu opens up new possibilities for Rwanda, but it also requires substantial investment and research to fully capitalize on this resource.
