AAPG Academy: The West African Margin: Evolving Geoscience and Hydrocarbon Frontiers

29 October 2026 | 9:00am CT

West Africa continues to attract attention across the global energy industry, with new exploration activity, evolving plays, and advances in geoscience, technology, and market analysis shaping the region’s energy landscape.

Join AAPG for a webinar featuring Rasoul Sorkhabi, geologist, geoscience professor at the University of Utah, and editor of AAPG’s geoscience research newsletter Core Elements, who will open the event with an overview of recent activity and the geology of West Africa. His presentation will draw on three recent articles he authored for Explorer, AAPG’s industry news publication, highlighting key developments and geologic insights from across the region.

Following Sorkhabi’s presentation, Susan Nash, AAPG’s Director of Innovation, Emerging Technologies, and Education, will moderate a panel discussion bringing together perspectives from across the energy industry. Benedict Geaghan, Global Business Development Manager at SLB, will share an industry perspective on technology, business development, and evolving opportunities in the region. Justin Cochrane, African Upstream Regional Research Director at S&P, will discuss S&P’s recent work and research in the region, providing additional insight into current upstream activity and developments across Africa.

The webinar will conclude with an audience Q&A, giving attendees an opportunity to engage directly with the speakers and panelists.