TotalFinaElf is a leader among oil companies engaged in exploration and production in Africa. In 2000, this region once again accounted for nearly 30% of the Group's total production, and repeated exploration successes, with major discoveries in Angola and Nigeria, hold high promise for the future. Development of Girassol in Angola is continuing, with the start-up of production set for end-2001.
In Nigeria, operated production increased to 180,000 boe/d in 2000, representing an upswing of more than 45%, driven by the combined effects of higher production capacity and higher OPEC quotas. TotalFinaElf's production share in Nigeria grew as well, to more than 160,000 boe/d, accounting for 7.6% of the Group's overall production. The year 2000 was highlighted by a new major discovery - Akpo - and the launch of the Amenam-Kpono development project. The Akpo deepwater discovery is located in OPL 246, where TotalFinaElf is operator with 24%, and the two appraisal wells already drilled have confirmed the significance of this find. The main contracts for Amenam-Kpono, a conventional offshore field, have been signed, and a unitization agreement with NNPC and ExxonMobil is being finalized. At the Nigerian LNG Company (NLNG) plant, in which the Group holds 15%, production of liquefied natural gas was increased. Commissioned respectively at the end of 1999 and in February 2000, the first two liquefaction trains are now operating at full capacity of 9,000 t/d for each train. The field's production for 2000 is estimated at 4.9 Mt of LNG and 1.5 million barrels of condensate. Construction of the third liquefaction train is now under way and due to be completed by end 2002.
In Angola, two new discoveries were made in 2000 - Jasmim and Perpetua - both of which are located on Block 17, which TotalFinaElf operates with a 40% interest. With these new finds, the Group has now made ten discoveries on this permit. Work continued on the development of Girassol. The field is due to come on stream at the end of 2001, with a peak production target of 200,000 b/d scheduled to be reached during 2002. The basic engineering studies for development of the Dalia field were launched in December 2000. Dalia, a 1997 discovery with a production potential equiva-lent to Girassol, is slated to be brought on stream in 2005. On Block 14, production continued to grow with the launch of Phase 1C for the Kuito field, on stream since late 1999. Two new discoveries - Tomboco and Lobito - were made on this block in 2000. For the Benguela and Belize fields, the partners are examining a development project. For the Chevron-operated Sanha field on Block O (TotalFinaElf 10%), the proj-ect for gas recycling and the condensate production was being studied in detail before a decision in 2001. Among other advantages, the project would reduce the amount of gas flared on this block. On Angola's ultra-deep offshore blocks, where TotalFinaElf is present in Blocks 31, 32, and 33, the 3D seismic surveys were successfully completed. Initial data interpretations has confirmed the presence of major prospects, and exploration wells are scheduled to be drilled on Blocks 31 and 33 in 2001.
In Congo, the Group's production share reached 120,800 boe/d, a 6% increase over to 1999. One third of this production came from the Nkossa field.
In Gabon, the Group's production share dropped by 18%. With 120,200 b/d, Gabon accounted for 5.7% of the Group's overall output. The decrease was particularly sharp in the non-operated sector, where it reached 25% for the Shell-operated Rabi field (TotalFinaElf 47.5%). It was held to 7% for the operated portion. Initiatives are underway to slow this decline and to optimize reserves for operated production. On the Anton-Astrid deep offshore permits, drilling will start in 2001.
In Algeria, the Group's production share came to an average of nearly 92,000 b/d in 2000 - a 28% increase over the previous year - essentially from activities on Hamra and Tin Fouyé Tabankort.
In Libya, the development plan for the offshore project on structure B of Block C 137 was approved in July 2000, for production start-up in 2003. TotalFinaElf also obtained two new exploration permits, both with the role of operator: one in the Murzuk Basin (M2) and the other in the Sirte Basin (S 29). The Group made an oil discovery in the Murzuk Basin.
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TOTALFINAELF IN NIGERIA: ATTENTIVE TO COMMUNITY CONCERNS
 In Nigeria, as in all countries where it operates, TotalFinaElf strives for forward-looking development that integrates the concerns of its host communities.In all areas where the Group is involved in onshore activities, consultative committees have been established, where development projects and community issues are discussed among all parties concerned.
Under an agreement concluded with the communities living near the Obagi field, on OML 58, TotalFinaElf has recruited of local personnel and committed $ 25 million for infrastructure, renovating and equipping a hospital, and aid for education. In addition, TotalFinaElf is providing financing for the electrification of an area with a population of 80,000 people.
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