Operational and Financial Update

Summary by AI BETAClose X

Savannah Energy Plc reported a strong operational and financial performance for the nine months ending September 30, 2026, with revenue increasing 32% year-on-year to US$242.1 million and cash collections up 16% to US$281.0 million. Production at Stubb Creek saw a 34% year-on-year increase to 3.9 Kbopd, with recent production averaging 5.0 Kbopd, and the Uquo South exploration well discovered gas. Group average gross daily production was 17.0 Kboepd for the period, with expectations for the remainder of the year to average around 20 Kboepd. Significant progress was made on renewable projects, including a Joint Development Agreement for a 95 MW project in Cameroon and the submission of an ESIA for a windfarm in Niger. Cash balances stood at US$73.1 million, while net debt was US$700.8 million. The company is also pursuing arbitration claims exceeding US$775 million related to nationalisation in Chad. Trading of shares remains suspended pending the release of audited FY 2025 and unaudited H1 2026 financial statements.

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Savannah Energy Plc
30 October 2026
 

30 October 2026

 

­­Savannah Energy PLC

(“Savannah” or “the Company”)

 

Operational and Financial Update

Savannah Energy PLC, the British independent energy company focused around the delivery of Projects that Matter, is pleased to provide the following trading update for the nine months to 30 September 2026. All figures are unaudited.

Highlights

  • The production expansion programme underway at Stubb Creek continues to progress well, with production averaging approximately 5.0 Kbopd over the last three months, and a 34% year-on-year increase in average gross daily production to 3.9 Kbopd for 9M 2026 (9M 2025: 2.9 Kbopd);
  • The Uquo South exploration well has been completed, with gas discovered in most of the targeted reservoirs. A well testing and evaluation programme is currently underway to assess the potential resource implications of the discovery and is expected to be completed in November 2026;
  • Group average gross daily production was 17.0 Kboepd for 9M 2026 (FY 2025: 18.8 Kboepd).1 With Uquo 13 on stream since August 2026, production is expected to average approximately 20 Kboepd for the remainder of the year, with FY 2026 average gross daily production anticipated to be in the range of 18-20 Kboepd, depending on customer demand, and including potential upside from the Uquo South well;
  • A Joint Development Agreement (“JDA”) has been signed with the Government of the Republic of Cameroon for the 95 MW Bini a Warak hybrid hydroelectric and solar project, establishing the framework to advance the project’s development;
  • The Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (“ESIA”) for our up to 250 MW Parc Eolien de la Tarka windfarm project has been submitted to the relevant authorities in Niger this month for their review;
  • 9M 2026 cash collections increased by 16% year-on-year to US$281.0 million (9M 2025: US$241.6 million); 
  • 9M 2026 Revenue increased by 32% year-on-year to US$242.1 million (9M 2025: US$184.0 million);
  • As at 30 September 2026, cash balances totalled US$73.1 million (31 December 2025: US$42.7 million) and net debt stood at US$700.8 million (31 December 2025: US$658.8 million);
  • The Trade Receivables balance as at 30 September 2026 was US$442.8 million, a 13% reduction on year-end 2025 (31 December 2025: US$508.5 million); and
  • The Company continues to engage with the Government of Niger in relation to the R1234 PSC and the forward work programme.

 

Andrew Knott, CEO of Savannah, said:

“We have continued to make operational and financial progress during 2026 as we develop the business and remain focused on delivering against the nine core focus areas we set out at the start of 2025.

We look forward to continuing to advance our operational and strategic priorities across the Group.”

 

Operational Update

Hydrocarbons Division

Following completion of the SIPEC Acquisition in March last year, the Stubb Creek expansion programme continues to progress well, already delivering a 34% year-on-year increase in average gross daily production to 3.9 Kbopd in 9M 2026. The full programme, expected to take up to 24 months, is anticipated to raise annual gross production to as much as 4.7 Kbopd. The Front-End Engineering and Design phase of the expansion programme has been completed, while we are planning the execution phase, with the expected signing of an Engineering, Procurement and Construction contract by the end of 2026. In parallel, early works have been fast-tracked to support an accelerated production ramp-up ahead of the broader expansion programme, with average production in the last three months approximately 5.0 Kbopd.

The Uquo South exploration well, which was spudded in early August 2026, was completed in September. Gas was discovered in most of the targeted reservoirs, as confirmed by pressure measurements, fluid sampling and logging. A well testing and evaluation programme is currently underway to assess the potential resource implications of the discovery and is expected to be completed in November 2026. The well targeted an unrisked gross GIIP of 131 Bscf and, subject to the results of the well testing programme, has the potential to provide incremental gas resources within the Uquo licence area.

Average gross daily production was 17.0 Kboepd for 9M 2026 (FY 2025: 18.8 Kboepd), of which 76% was gas (FY 2025: 83%)1. With Uquo 13 now contributing to production, gross daily output is expected to be average approximately 20 Kboepd for the remainder of the year, including potential additional upside from the Uquo South exploration well. Savannah expects FY 2026 average gross daily production to be in the range of 18-20 Kboepd, subject to customer demand.

The Company continues to engage with the Government of Niger in relation to the R1234 PSC and the forward work programme. These discussions are aimed at resolving disputed issues arising under this contract and notably cover the contractual and operational framework for recommencing activity, including the treatment of periods during which operations have been materially constrained. The Company continues to reserve its rights under the R1234 PSC and is seeking to agree a mutually acceptable basis with the Government for future operations. Work will only recommence on these assets if, and when, the Company reaches such a satisfactory agreement with the Government. For FY 2024, Savannah had a carrying value of the R1234 PSC Area in its accounts of approximately US$175m and the carrying value of this asset is being assessed according to the relevant accounting standards as part of the finalisation of the FY 2025 accounts.

Power Division

We continue to seek to progress our portfolio of renewable projects.

In Niger, the ESIA in respect of our Parc Eolien de la Tarka windfarm project was submitted to the relevant authorities this month for their review. We are continuing discussions in relation to the project’s proposed power purchase agreement and also continue to work in close collaboration with the US International Development Finance Corporation. The timing and sequencing of further development activities in relation to the Parc Eolien de la Tarka project is expected to be linked to the timing and outcome of the Company’s ongoing discussions with the Government of Niger regarding the R1234 PSC and the potential recommencement of oil activities described above.

In Cameroon, a JDA was signed this month with the Government of the Republic of Cameroon for the 95 MW Bini a Warak hybrid hydroelectric and solar project. The JDA establishes the framework for Savannah’s collaboration with the Government of Cameroon to advance the project’s development.

Financial Update (unaudited)

9M 2026 cash collections increased by 16% year-on-year to US$281.0 million (9M 2025: US$241.6 million), while 9M 2026 Revenue rose by 32% year-on-year to US$242.1 million (9M 2025: US$184.0 million).

 

As at 30 September 2026 cash balances were US$73.1 million (31 December 2025: US$42.7 million) and net debt stood at US$700.8 million (31 December 2025: US$658.8 million). Gross debt as at 30 September 2026 was US$773.9 million, of which only US$56.4 million (7%) was recourse to the Company, with the balance sitting within subsidiary companies on a non-recourse basis.

 

The Trade Receivables balance as at 30 September was US$442.8 million, a 13% reduction on year-end 2025 (31 December 2025: US$508.5 million). This relates primarily to amounts due under various gas sales agreements in Nigeria. Delivering an increase in cash collections in Nigeria remains a key focus area for the business.

 

Arbitration Update

Our wholly owned subsidiary, SCI, commenced arbitral proceedings in 2023 against the Government of the Republic of Chad in response to the March 2023 nationalisation of SCI’s rights in the Doba fields in Chad, and other breaches of SCI’s rights. Another wholly owned subsidiary, SMIL, commenced arbitral proceedings in 2023 in relation to the nationalisation of its investment in TOTCo, the Chadian company which owns and operates the section of the Chad-Cameroon pipeline located in Chad. SMIL has also commenced arbitral and other legal proceedings for breaches of SMIL’s rights in relation to COTCo, the Cameroon company which owns and operates the section of the Chad-Cameroon pipeline located in Cameroon. We currently expect these arbitral proceedings to be concluded in Q4 2026.

SCI and SMIL are claiming in excess of US$775 million (plus interest, which is currently estimated at in excess of US$215 million, and costs) for the nationalisation of their rights and assets in Chad.2 SMIL has a claim valued at approximately US$330 million (plus interest, which is currently estimated at in excess of US$67 million, and costs) for breaches of its rights in relation to COTCo.3 Whilst the Government of the Republic of Chad has acknowledged SCI’s and SMIL’s right to compensation, no compensation has been paid by the Government of the Republic of Chad to date. Savannah remains ready and willing to discuss with the Government of the Republic of Chad an amicable solution to the disputes. However, in the absence of such discussions, SCI and SMIL intend to vigorously pursue their rights in the arbitration proceedings.

SCI is involved in further arbitral proceedings in which designates of Société des Hydrocarbures du Tchad allege breaches by SCI of the Doba fields joint operating agreement.4 SCI is defending the claims vigorously. We currently expect these arbitral proceedings to be concluded in 2027.

Capital Allocation

As stated in the Company’s update on 30 September 2026, Savannah’s capital allocation policy remains unchanged. The Company intends to allocate any excess capital to its highest risk-adjusted return investment opportunities, assessed against the potential to return capital to shareholders. In this context, the Company has authority, granted by shareholders at the Annual General Meeting held on 1 June 2026, to purchase up to 313,288,589 Ordinary Shares and may undertake share buybacks opportunistically, subject to the Company being in an open period and not being in possession of inside information, and having regard to corporate liquidity and prevailing market conditions.

Financial Reporting Update

The Company advises that its audited FY 2025 Financial Statements and Annual Report, and its unaudited Half-Year Results for the six months ended 30 June 2026 are expected to be released during November 2026. As a result of the delayed publications, and pursuant to the requirements of AIM Rules 18 and 19, the Company's shares will remain suspended from trading on AIM until, inter alia, both sets of accounts are published.

AIM Quotation Review Update

As previously announced on 22 October 2025, the Board initiated a review of the appropriateness of Savannah’s admission to trading on AIM and the potential alternative options available to the Company, including alternative listing venues or structures (the "Review"). The Review remains ongoing and no decision has been taken by the Board in relation to its outcome. A further announcement will be made as and when appropriate.

 

 

For further information, please refer to the Company's website www.savannah-energy.com or contact:

Savannah Energy                                                             +44 (0) 20 3817 9844

Andrew Knott, CEO

Nick Beattie, CFO

Sally Marshak, Head of IR & Communications

 

Strand Hanson Limited (Nominated Adviser)  +44 (0) 20 7409 3494

James Spinney

Ritchie Balmer

Rob Patrick

 

Cavendish Capital Markets Ltd (Joint Broker)  +44 (0) 20 7220 0500

Derrick Lee

 

Tennyson Securities (Joint Broker)                               +44 (0) 20 45309239

Peter Krens

 

Camarco         +44 (0) 20 3757 4983

Billy Clegg

Owen Roberts

Violet Wilson

 

This announcement contains inside information for the purposes of Article 7 of the Market Abuse Regulation (EU) 596/2014 as it forms part of UK domestic law by virtue of the European Union (Withdrawal) Act 2018, as amended.

 

About Savannah:  

Savannah Energy PLC is a British independent energy company focused around the delivery of Projects that Matter in Africa.

 

Footnotes

1. Note that gas production levels are largely driven by customer nomination levels, while cash collections are largely driven by contractual maintenance adjusted take-or-pay provisions of 117 MMscfpd in aggregate.

 

2. The Republic of Chad has filed certain counterclaims in these proceedings, claiming in aggregate approximately US$699.1 million (without interest and costs). SCI and SMIL believe these counterclaims are baseless and without merit.

 

3. The Republic of Chad, SHT Overseas Petroleum (Cameroon) Limited (SHT), COTCo and certain other shareholders of COTCo have filed counterclaims in these proceedings, claiming in aggregate approximately US$58.7 million (without interest and costs). SMIL believes these claims are baseless and without merit.

 

4. The designates of Société des Hydrocarbures du Tchad have advanced various claims and seek an aggregate of between US$110.9 to US$136.9 million (without interest and costs). SCI believes the claims are baseless and without merit.

 

 

 

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