Africa’s oil wealth is unevenly distributed, with a handful of nations controlling the continent’s largest reserves while others hold only modest amounts. In some countries, crude oil plays a minor role in the economy, with other sectors driving growth.
According to 2025 data, the 10 African countries with the smallest proven oil reserves are:
Morocco – 684,000 barrels
Oil is not a major economic driver in Morocco, which relies on imports to meet demand and is investing heavily in renewable energy.
Ethiopia – 428,000 barrels
Ethiopia’s oil reserves are extremely limited, making the country heavily dependent on imported petroleum.
South Africa – 15 million barrels
Despite being an industrial powerhouse, South Africa has minimal crude oil reserves and relies largely on imports for its refineries and fuel market.
Benin – 8 million barrels
Benin’s small offshore deposits contribute little to government revenue, with trade and services playing a bigger role in the economy.
Mauritania – 20 million barrels
Exploration continues, but Mauritania’s reserves remain modest and have yet to significantly impact the national economy.
Niger – 150 million barrels
Niger is a small but growing oil producer; its reserves, however, are limited compared to Africa’s major exporters.
Democratic Republic of Congo – 180 million barrels
Oil contributes only a minor share of the DRC’s export revenue, overshadowed by mineral resources like copper and cobalt.
Cameroon – 200 million barrels
Cameroon’s oil sector relies on aging fields, reducing its contribution to government income.
Tunisia – 425 million barrels
Limited reserves and declining production make Tunisia increasingly reliant on energy imports.
Ghana – 660 million barrels
Though Ghana is a newer oil producer in West Africa, its reserves are relatively small, reinforcing the need for economic diversification beyond petroleum.
These figures highlight the disparities in Africa’s oil landscape, with countries like Morocco and Ethiopia relying on imports while nations such as Ghana and Tunisia seek to grow their oil sectors despite limited reserves. For many of these economies, diversifying beyond oil remains a critical priority.
