Fresh concerns are emerging over the transparency and long-term implications of recent offshore oil agreements signed by the Government of Sierra Leone, as the country accelerates efforts to attract foreign direct investment into its petroleum sector.

In a matter of days, authorities finalised two significant upstream engagements. One involves a reconnaissance agreement with Shell plc, covering approximately 20,600 square kilometres of deepwater offshore territory for preliminary surveys. The second is a reported $225 million exploration and production licence awarded to Nigeria-based Marginal Field Development Company Limited.

On the surface, the agreements signal renewed investor interest in Sierra Leone’s offshore basin, an area that has seen decades of exploration attempts with limited commercial success. Government officials have framed the deals as part of a broader strategy to unlock the country’s natural resource potential and stimulate economic growth.

However, analysts and civil society voices are raising red flags about the process and substance of the agreements.

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Critics point to an apparent lack of public disclosure and parliamentary scrutiny, questioning whether due diligence and competitive bidding standards were fully observed. Concerns have also been raised about the technical and financial capacity of partners, particularly in a sector known for high risk and capital intensity.

”There is a growing perception that key decisions are being made without adequate transparency,” one governance advocate noted, warning that such practices could undermine public trust and weaken institutional accountability.

The situation has also revived fears of the so-called resource curse-a phenomenon where countries rich in natural resources experience slower economic growth, governance challenges, and inequality due to poor management of resource revenues.

Neighbouring oil-producing countries have faced similar struggles, making it critical for Sierra Leone to establish strong regulatory frameworks, ensure contract transparency, and prioritise national interest in negotiations.

While the government has yet to release full details of the agreements, pressure is mounting for greater openness, including the publication of contract terms, environmental safeguards, and projected revenue structures.

As Sierra Leone positions itself once again on the global energy map, the coming months may prove decisive in determining whether these deals mark the beginning of sustainable economic transformation-or a repeat of past disappointments.