Top 10 African countries with the smallest proven oil reserves in 2025

Africa is sitting on a massive pool of oil, and for decades, it’s been a cornerstone for economies across the continent. With billions of barrels lying beneath the land and offshore, oil is one of Africa’s biggest money-makers.

Oil isn’t just a resource, it’s a major player in Africa’s economic survival. In some places, petroleum makes up the bulk of export earnings and government revenue, making it the financial lifeline of national budgets.

It’s also a powerful bargaining chip in global markets, putting oil-rich nations in strategic positions. But it’s not all smooth sailing—oil comes with its share of headaches, from unpredictable price swings to overreliance on exports and the growing need to shift toward a more diverse economy.

Even with the world pushing for greener energy, Africa’s oil reserves aren’t losing relevance anytime soon. There’s still plenty of untapped potential, and exploration efforts are only ramping up.

In a previous article, we highlighted that Libya, despite its ongoing political instability, holds the largest proven oil reserves in Africa, with 48.36 billion barrels—ranking 9th globally, according to Global Firepower. Renowned for its high-quality, low-sulfur crude, Libya’s oil remains highly sought after in international markets.

On the other end of the spectrum, Morocco has the smallest proven oil reserves in Africa, with just 684,000 barrels, placing it 94th globally. Ethiopia follows with 428,000 barrels, ranking 95th, while South Africa, with 15 million barrels, sits at 83rd on the global scale.