Natural Gas and LNG: Building a Bridge to African Energy Security and Prosperity
By NJ Ayuk, Executive Chairman, African Energy Chamber
Africa is awakening to the power of its natural gas reserves, recognising that among its many natural resources, gas offers one of the most reliable and practical pathways to economic growth and energy independence.
In its State of African Energy: 2026 Outlook Report, the
This transition is not a speculative gamble. Rather, it is an essential step for African nations to fully harness their fossil fuel resources and build genuine self-reliance—just as developed economies once did during their own industrialisation.
Rising Domestic Demand and the Role of Gas
Domestic gas demand across Africa is poised to surge in the coming years, driven largely by rising electricity needs and industrial expansion. At this critical moment, several African countries provide compelling case studies on how investments in gas production can power industries, create jobs and stabilise electricity grids.
Within the context of the global energy transition, natural gas continues to serve as a bridge fuel—supporting Africa’s development while enabling a gradual and sustainable shift toward renewables.
Angola’s Gas Renaissance
Angola’s oil and gas sector has experienced a contraction in recent years due to declining output. However, policymakers are increasingly focused on unlocking the country’s vast gas potential.
The construction of the Angola LNG facility in 2008 marked a turning point, transforming associated gas—previously flared or reinjected—into exportable liquefied natural gas. Recent developments, including first gas from the Sanha Lean Gas project in December 2024, aim to boost supply to the LNG plant.
Angola is also exploring non-associated gas fields in the Lower Congo Basin, with the New Gas Consortium targeting multiple developments that could expand LNG capacity by 2026.
Domestically, gas now supplies the 750-megawatt Soyo combined-cycle gas turbine power plant, stabilising electricity generation. Longer-term ambitions include ammonia, methanol and petrochemical projects, which could significantly increase local gas demand by 2035.
Mauritania and Senegal Enter the LNG Market
Mauritania and Senegal joined the ranks of LNG exporters in 2025 through the Greater Tortue Ahmeyim (GTA) project—a landmark cross-border development that has already created thousands of local jobs.
Both countries are also prioritising domestic gas utilisation. Senegal’s share of production is expected to support gas-fired power generation in Saint-Louis by 2026, alongside broader infrastructure projects designed to expand electricity access to hundreds of thousands of households.
Regional Power Pools and Continental Integration
Africa’s gross natural gas production is projected to reach 331 billion cubic metres in 2025, led by Algeria, Nigeria and Egypt. Gas already accounts for roughly 40% of Africa’s electricity generation.
Regional power pools—including the Southern African Power Pool (SAPP) and West African Power Pool (WAPP)—are increasingly important in linking gas producers with power-hungry markets. These frameworks support cross-border electricity trade and improve energy reliability.
The African Single Electricity Market, targeted for full integration by 2040, could further amplify the role of gas by connecting exporters and importers across the continent.
A Catalyst for African Prosperity
Natural gas is more than a commodity—it is a catalyst for Africa’s prosperity. By expanding LNG exports alongside domestic utilisation, African nations can drive industrial growth, reduce emissions, and strengthen energy security.
As a transitional fuel, gas provides Africa with the flexibility to grow sustainably while ensuring that no country or community is left behind during the global energy transition.
Africa deserves to thrive on the wealth of its own resources, and the developments highlighted in the State of African Energy 2026 Outlook show that this vision is achievable.
