Top 10 African countries with smallest oil reserves

The oil deposits of African nations are distributed unevenly over the continent. While some nations control the majority of production and reserves, others have very modest amounts of oil that have little bearing on their economies.

The ten African nations with the lowest proven oil reserves in 2025 are shown below, along with a brief description of each.

Morocco ranks 94th in the world with 684,000 barrels.
In Morocco, oil is not very important economically. Despite its heavy reliance on imported crude, the nation has established itself as a leader in renewable energy in the region.

2. Ethiopia – 428,000 barrels (95th internationally)
   Ethiopia’s proven oil reserves are extremely limited, leaving the fast-growing economy dependent on petroleum imports to meet domestic demand.
3. South Africa ranks 83rd in the world with 15 million barrels.
   Despite its industrial might, South Africa relies heavily on imports to supply its refineries and fuel market due to its low crude oil reserves.
4. Benin: 8 million barrels, the 90th in the world
   Benin’s economy is mostly driven by commerce and services, with the country’s minor offshore oil resources contributing little to government revenue.

5. Mauritania: 20 million barrels, ranking 80th in the world
   Mauritania’s oil reserves are still small and haven’t had a major impact on the country’s economy, despite recent drilling efforts.
6. Niger: 58th in the world with 150 million barrels
   Although Niger is a minor but expanding producer, its reserves are not as large as those of the other oil-exporting countries in Africa.
7. Democratic Republic of the Congo: 180 million barrels, ranking 55th in the world
   The DRC’s abundant mineral resources, including copper and cobalt, have a greater export profile than oil.
8. Cameroon ranks 52nd in the world with 200 million barrels.
   Cameroon used to be a major oil producer, but it currently depends on deteriorating fields, which lowers the amount of oil that contributes to national income.

9. Tunisia ranks 47th in the world with 425 million barrels.
   Due to Tunisia’s low oil reserves and decreasing production, energy imports are becoming more and more crucial.
10. Ghana ranks 40th in the world with 660 million barrels
    Ghana is one of the more recent oil producers in West Africa, but its limited reserves highlight the need for economic diversification beyond petroleum.