- Oil Production refers to the total amount of crude oil extracted from underground reservoirs within a country during a given year, before any refining or processing takes place.
Africa Oil Production was 7.23 Million Barrels Daily in 2023, up 2.3% on 2022. The Oil Production dataset of Africa from 2015 to 2023 provides a comprehensive overview of regional crude oil production, highlighting output trends, production levels, supply changes, industry performance, and annual market developments across the continent.
Africa Oil Production moved from 8.12 Million Barrels Daily in 2015 to 7.23 Million Barrels Daily in 2023 (−11%), an average of −1.4% a year. The series high was 8.36 Million Barrels Daily in 2019 and the low 7.00 Million Barrels Daily in 2020.
The gap between the series high (2019) and low (2020) is 1.36 Million Barrels Daily. The sharpest single-year move was −16.3% in 2020.
Within Africa, Nigeria has the highest value in 2023 at 1.54 Million Barrels Daily, 21.3% of the regional total.
Country ranking
Million Barrels Daily. Sort by any column, or search for a country.
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By region
Million Barrels Daily, 2023. Each bar is that region's total.
Full series
Complete annual series with year-on-year change. Values are reported in Million Barrels Daily.
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| Year | Million Barrels Daily | Change vs prior year |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 7.23 | +2.3% |
| 2022 | 7.06 | −4% |
| 2021 | 7.36 | +5.2% |
| 2020 Trough | 7.00 | −16.3% |
| 2019Peak | 8.36 | +1.1% |
| 2018 | 8.26 | +1.7% |
| 2017 | 8.12 | +6% |
| 2016 | 7.66 | −5.7% |
| 2015 | 8.12 | — |
Data definition
Oil Production — - Oil Production refers to the total amount of crude oil extracted from underground reservoirs within a country during a given year, before any refining or processing takes place. It is typically measured in thousand barrels per day (kb/d) and represents the output of crude petroleum from both conventional and unconventional sources. This indicator reflects a country’s upstream oil industry performance, resource availability, and role in global energy supply. It is widely used to assess production trends, energy security, and dependence on oil resources for economic development.
The data includes crude oil extracted from both onshore and offshore oil fields, covering production from conventional wells as well as unconventional sources such as tight oil and shale oil where applicable. It includes all crude oil produced at the wellhead before refining, processing, or blending. The indicator may also include lease condensate when reported as part of crude oil production in national energy statistics. Data is compiled from national energy agencies, oil companies, and standardized international energy databases, ensuring consistency in comparing production levels across countries and over time.
The data excludes refined petroleum products such as gasoline, diesel, jet fuel, kerosene, LPG, and other products derived from crude oil after refining. It does not include natural gas production, natural gas liquids (except where classified as condensate under crude oil reporting), biofuels, synthetic crude from coal-to-liquids or gas-to-liquids processes, or refinery gains. The indicator does not measure oil consumption, reserves, imports, exports, or refining capacity. Minor variations may arise due to differences in national reporting standards, classification of condensates, and estimation methodologies used across countries.
Oil Production — - Oil Production refers to the total amount of crude oil extracted from underground reservoirs within a country during a given year, before any refining or processing takes place. It is typically measured in thousand barrels per day (kb/d) and represents the output of crude petroleum from both conventional and unconventional sources. This indicator reflects a country’s upstream oil industry performance, resource availability, and role in global energy supply. It is widely used to assess production trends, energy security, and dependence on oil resources for economic development.
Measured in thousand barrels daily, the dataset represents the combined oil production of Egypt, Nigeria, Algeria, and the remaining African producing countries. It serves as an important indicator of upstream activity, domestic energy supply, resource development, investment trends, and the overall performance of Africa's petroleum industry.
Africa produced 8,123 thousand barrels daily in 2015 before declining to 7,660 thousand in 2016. Regional production recovered to 8,121 thousand barrels daily in 2017 and increased to 8,263 thousand in 2018 and 8,358 thousand in 2019. Output declined significantly to 6,998 thousand barrels daily in 2020 before recovering to 7,360 thousand in 2021. Production eased to 7,063 thousand in 2022 before increasing slightly to 7,228 thousand barrels daily in 2023. Throughout the review period, Nigeria remained the region's largest producer despite notable production fluctuations, while Algeria and Egypt continued to contribute substantially to regional output. Production from the remaining African countries also represented a significant share of total regional production.
Overall, the dataset indicates moderate production volatility over the review period. The sharp decline in 2020 was followed by a gradual recovery, although regional output remained below pre-2020 levels. Production trends reflect changing market conditions, mature oil fields in several producing countries, operational challenges, and varying levels of upstream investment. Despite these factors, Africa continues to play an important role in the global oil market through its diverse resource base and established petroleum industry.
The dataset serves as a valuable resource for monitoring regional oil production performance, evaluating supply trends, supporting market analysis, forecasting future production, and enabling policymakers, researchers, investors, and industry stakeholders to develop effective energy strategies and production planning.
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Definition- Oil Production refers to the total amount of crude oil extracted from underground reservoirs within a country during a given year, before any refining or processing takes place. It is typically measured in thousand barrels per day (kb/d) and represents the output of crude petroleum from both conventional and unconventional sources. This indicator reflects a country’s upstream oil industry performance, resource availability, and role in global energy supply. It is widely used to assess production trends, energy security, and dependence on oil resources for economic development.
Africa Oil Production was 7.23 Million Barrels Daily in 2023, up 2.3% on 2022.
Africa Oil Production moved from 8.12 Million Barrels Daily in 2015 to 7.23 Million Barrels Daily in 2023 (−11%), an average of −1.4% a year. The series high was 8.36 Million Barrels Daily in 2019 and the low 7.00 Million Barrels Daily in 2020.
The highest value was 8.36 Million Barrels Daily in 2019 and the lowest was 7.00 Million Barrels Daily in 2020.
Included: The data includes crude oil extracted from both onshore and offshore oil fields, covering production from conventional wells as well as unconventional sources such as tight oil and shale oil where applicable. It includes all crude oil produced at the wellhead before refining, processing, or blending. The indicator may also include lease condensate when reported as part of crude oil production in national energy statistics. Data is compiled from national energy agencies, oil companies, and standardized international energy databases, ensuring consistency in comparing production levels across countries and over time. Excluded: The data excludes refined petroleum products such as gasoline, diesel, jet fuel, kerosene, LPG, and other products derived from crude oil after refining. It does not include natural gas production, natural gas liquids (except where classified as condensate under crude oil reporting), biofuels, synthetic crude from coal-to-liquids or gas-to-liquids processes, or refinery gains. The indicator does not measure oil consumption, reserves, imports, exports, or refining capacity. Minor variations may arise due to differences in national reporting standards, classification of condensates, and estimation methodologies used across countries.
The series is sourced from energyinst.org (https://www.energyinst.org/__data/assets/pdf_file/0006/1542714/684_EI_Stat_Review_V16_DIGITAL.pdf). It covers 2015–2023 and is reported in Million Barrels Daily.
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