Tullow Oil has struck oil with a potential of 3,500 barrels per day at an off-shore field in Côte d'Ivoire.
Tullow holds a 24 per cent interest in the Acajou field, with co-venturers Canadian Natural Resources and Petroci holding 66 per cent and 10 per cent, respectively.
Mr Brian O'Cathain, managing director of Tullow Oil, described the drilling result as "encouraging" for the commercial development of the field.
He said the Acajou co-venturers will now evaluate the most effective method to develop the find.
