<P> By 2015 , it is estimated that 25 % of North American oil will be from Sub-Saharan Africa , ahead of the Middle East . Sub-Saharan Africa has been the focus of an intense race for oil by the West , China , India , and other emerging economies , even though it holds only 10 % of proven oil reserves , less than the Middle East . This race has been referred to as the second Scramble for Africa . All reasons for this global scramble come from the reserves ' economic benefits . Transportation cost is low and no pipelines have to be laid as in Central Asia . Almost all reserves are offshore , so political turmoil within the host country will not directly interfere with operations . Sub-Saharan oil is viscous , with a very low sulfur content . This quickens the refining process and effectively reduces costs . New sources of oil are being located in Sub-Saharan Africa more frequently than anywhere else . Of all new sources of oil , 1⁄3 are in Sub-Saharan Africa . </P>
<P> By 2015 , it is estimated that 25 % of North American oil will be from Sub-Saharan Africa , ahead of the Middle East . Sub-Saharan Africa has been the focus of an intense race for oil by the West , China , India , and other emerging economies , even though it holds only 10 % of proven oil reserves , less than the Middle East . This race has been referred to as the second Scramble for Africa . All reasons for this global scramble come from the reserves ' economic benefits . Transportation cost is low and no pipelines have to be laid as in Central Asia . Almost all reserves are offshore , so political turmoil within the host country will not directly interfere with operations . Sub-Saharan oil is viscous , with a very low sulfur content . This quickens the refining process and effectively reduces costs . New sources of oil are being located in Sub-Saharan Africa more frequently than anywhere else . Of all new sources of oil , 1⁄3 are in Sub-Saharan Africa . </P>
where are the majority of sub-saharan africa 's oil reserves located
where are the majority of sub-saharan africa 's oil reserves located
offshore
offshore