This review covers 45 countries of central and southern Africa, excluding Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia, Libya, United Arab Republic, and Sudan.

Total annual oil production rose 19% from 642 to more than 764 million bbl, with an average rate exceeding 2 million BOPD. Nigerian and Angolan production rose almost 20%, whereas Congo (Brazzaville) recorded a 200% increase as production started in the Emeraude Marine field. Total annual gas production was up 29% to 633,833 MMcf (1,736 MMCFPD).

Exploratory drilling fell from 142 to 134 wildcats, with a 32.1% success compared with the 23.1% success of the previous year. Oil discoveries were registered in Angola, Cameroun, Congo, Gabon, Nigeria, and Zaire. A total of 20 unsuccessful wildcats was drilled in 10 other countries.

A total of 271 development wells was completed, with a success of 87%, in Angola, Congo (Brazzaville), Gabon, Nigeria, and Zaire. Total footage drilled rose slightly to 3,451,517 ft (1,052,032 m), compared with 3,375,929 ft in 1971 (1,028,977 m).

Surface exploration totaled 511.3 party-months, of which surface geology was 73.5, seismograph 395.7, gravimeter 20.2, magnetometer 8.7, photogeology 13.2, and structural drilling 1.0. This was slightly less than the 1971 record.