The Gulf of Guinea provides more than 5% of world oil production. All major oil companies of the world are present here. Around 340 000 b/d of oil (2011) are extracted by the main oil extraction companies, including Hess, ExxonMobil, Marathon Oil and Noble Energy, in partnership with GEPETROL.

The international presence in oil exploration is very diverse, this includes Swiss, British, Americans, Chinese, Spanish, Russian and Nigerian companies. Exploration permits deepwater also awarded to Total Fina Elf, for drilling in 2013. In addition, Japanese companies Mitsui and Marubeni are present in the gas liquefaction.

Also notable is the presence of Chinese companies, French, Brazilian, Spanish and German in other sectors such as construction, transport , banking and insurance.