Rwanda has halted bids from international oil companies aiming to explore Lake Kivu in the East Africa Rift Basin.
The government of Rwanda is doing its own geological survey to assess the financial risks of any exploration.
The survey involves digging shallow wells 10 meters deep for samples to see if there is any indication of oil.
Rwanda does not allow private companies to own or control oil fields in the country.
Rwanda had signed a contract with BGP Oil of China to explore for oil. (The company is exploring for oil in 10 other African countries.) But the deal fell through.
Twenty oil and gas discoveries have been made in the East African Rift basin, which is estimated to hold over four billion barrels of oil.
Sources: East Africa News, African Mining Market