Africa’s LNG Output Projected to Hit 120 Million Tons by 2035 – NLNG
By Naija Enquirer Staff
The Nigeria LNG Limited (NLNG) has projected that Africa’s Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) production could rise from around 70 million tons per annum (MTPA) today to 120 MTPA by 2035, positioning the continent as a major global LNG hub.
Africa’s Growing Role in Global LNG Supply
According to the company, emerging LNG frontiers across Africa collectively represent more than 45 MTPA of potential new supply. This growth, it said, highlights the continent’s increasing relevance in global discussions on energy security, affordability, and sustainability.
Speaking during a keynote address titled “The Role of African LNG in a Dynamic Export Market” at the Africa Energy Week (AEW) 2025 in South Africa, NLNG’s Deputy Managing Director, Olakunle Osobu, emphasized that Africa is not a bystander in the evolving energy landscape but a rising pillar of global supply — with Nigeria expected to lead the charge.
“Africa has more than 850 trillion cubic feet of natural gas reserves — about six percent of global reserves. We have the resources, the position, and the ambition to double our share of the global LNG market within the next decade,” Osobu stated.
Nigeria’s Leadership Through the NLNG Train 7 Project
Osobu underscored Nigeria’s pioneering role in the continent’s LNG sector, citing the NLNG Train 7 expansion project as a demonstration of sustained leadership. The project will increase NLNG’s production capacity from 22 MTPA to 30 MTPA, reinforcing Nigeria’s commitment to industrial growth and energy access.
“Our investment in expansion shows that Nigeria is driving LNG growth not only for exports but also for domestic industries and energy access. We must prove that Africa can deliver LNG that is secure, competitive, and sustainable,” he added.
Balancing Growth, Competitiveness, and Sustainability
Osobu noted that while Africa enjoys strategic advantages — including shorter shipping routes to Europe and Asia — competitiveness, financing, and domestic responsibility remain major challenges. He observed that leading exporters such as the U.S. and Qatar are rapidly expanding their LNG capacities, while global financiers increasingly demand low-carbon and decarbonized LNG projects.
He stressed that Africa’s LNG strategy must balance reliable global supply with domestic industrialization, while demonstrating sustainability in line with international decarbonization goals.
Shaping Africa’s Energy Future
Organized by the African Energy Chamber, the Africa Energy Week 2025 brought together policymakers, investors, and industry leaders to shape the continent’s energy future. The conference highlighted Africa’s growing influence in global energy markets and underscored the importance of collaboration to unlock the continent’s full gas potential.
Osobu reaffirmed NLNG’s commitment to advancing Africa’s energy independence and competitiveness, stating that with strategic investment and innovation, Africa can rise as a key LNG powerhouse by 2035.
