「」VSG

Extractive Insight.

Analysis & Opinion

Nigeria’s Upstream Reset: Growth
Steven Thomas Steven Thomas

Nigeria’s Upstream Reset: Growth

Arno Saffran | 5 Minute Read

Nigeria targets revenue growth through strategic upstream investments, infrastructure expansion, and fiscal incentives—positioning its energy sector for increased production and long-term profitability by 2026.

Read More
Dual Approach to Energy Deals
Steven Thomas Steven Thomas

Dual Approach to Energy Deals

Arno Saffran | 5 Minute Read

Navigating energy sector deals with a blended strategy. We examine the Strategic Collaboration Model—how industry leaders balance competitive positioning with high-stakes partnerships.

Read More
Energy Deals Hinge on Local Realities
Steven Thomas Steven Thomas

Energy Deals Hinge on Local Realities

Arno Saffran | 5 Minute Read

In Iraq's crucial energy zones, foreign companies seeking lucrative deals must navigate a complex tapestry of tribal loyalties, political influence, and financial labyrinths that defy standard business playbooks.

Read More
OFS Landscape Changes
Steven Thomas Steven Thomas

OFS Landscape Changes

Arno Saffran | 5 Minute Read

Oilfield services face a structural reset as capital discipline, shale slowdown, offshore selectivity, and energy transition reshape the market. Adaptation—not scale—is now the key to survival.

Read More
The Extractive Game
Steven Thomas Steven Thomas

The Extractive Game

Arno Saffran | 5 Minute Read

In oil, gas, and mining, it’s not just geology that gets deals done—it’s people. The kind who know the rules, respect the lines, and still find a way to win.

Read More
Africa OFS Deals
Steven Thomas Steven Thomas

Africa OFS Deals

Arno Saffran | 5 Minute Read

Africa’s oil and gas sector has long been seen as one of the last untapped frontiers, full of promise but also loaded with challenges. Closing deals here means understanding a complex mix of politics, regulations, and local relationships that can make or break a project.

Read More
West Africa’s Oil Boom
Steven Thomas Steven Thomas

West Africa’s Oil Boom

Arno Saffran | 5 Minute Read

West Africa’s oil and gas sector is undergoing a transformation as new discoveries attract global energy firms. But the level of government involvement, financing challenges, and local participation vary widely across the region, shaping the industry’s future.

Read More
Explainer: What Is the Permian Basin?
Steven Thomas Steven Thomas

Explainer: What Is the Permian Basin?

Arno Saffran | 5 Minute Read

The Permian Basin is one of the world’s most energy-rich geological formations, spanning West Texas and southeastern New Mexico.

Read More
The Frontier Few Understand
Steven Thomas Steven Thomas

The Frontier Few Understand

Arno Saffran | 5 Minute Read

Africa isn’t broken — it’s complex. For those who understand its tribal dynamics, resource politics, and ground realities, it’s not risk—it’s return. The future belongs to those who engage intelligently.

Read More
The Lithium Divide
Steven Thomas Steven Thomas

The Lithium Divide

Arno Saffran | 5 Minute Read

Combining two multinational corporations, each with its own operational nuances, geographical footprints, and corporate cultures, presents a formidable challenge. The successful integration of Allkem and Livent required a symphony of expertise, from legal and financial advisors to operational and logistical specialists.

Read More
Reframing the LetterOne Question
Steven Thomas Steven Thomas

Reframing the LetterOne Question

Arno Saffran | 5 Minute Read

The recent headlines surrounding LetterOne’s 15% stake in Harbour Energy have reignited debate about foreign influence in the UK energy sector. While concerns over sanctioned Russian individuals—namely Mikhail Fridman and Petr Aven—are understandable, much of the reaction is misinformed. The reality is that LetterOne’s involvement is both legal and limited in influence, and, crucially, supports the long-term strength of UK energy security.

Read More
PSA’s: Explainer
Steven Thomas Steven Thomas

PSA’s: Explainer

Arno Saffran | 5 Minute Read

PSCs let oil companies explore and produce hydrocarbons, sharing profits with host governments after cost recovery, with terms varying by price and output.

Read More
The Deal Is the Terrain
Steven Thomas Steven Thomas

The Deal Is the Terrain

Arno Saffran | 5 Minute Read

Why governments must lead with strategy, not just fiscal terms, when negotiating mining and oil agreements.

Read More