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Africa’s Gas Potential: A Strategic Solution to The Global Supply Gap

By Ese Ufuoma
As the global energy landscape undergoes a significant transformation, Africa’s vast natural gas reserves are becoming increasingly crucial in meeting rising global liquefied natural gas (LNG) demand. With expanded production and export infrastructure, the continent holds immense potential to bridge the global gas supply gap and foster energy security.
The Invest in African Energy (IAE) Forum, scheduled for May 13–14, 2025, in Paris, is a vital platform to attract foreign investment into Africa’s burgeoning gas and LNG sectors. The forum will unite African energy stakeholders with the global investment community, showcasing gas exploration, extraction, processing, and associated infrastructure opportunities while forging strategic partnerships to unlock the continent’s energy potential.

The Global Gas and LNG Demand Landscape
Global demand for natural gas continues to rise, driven by its cleaner-burning properties compared to coal and oil. This aligns with the global push for lower carbon emissions. The International Energy Agency projects a 2.5% growth in gas demand for 2024, despite constrained supplies limiting further expansion.
In Asia, consumption is climbing as countries like China and India view natural gas as a transitional energy source toward renewables. Meanwhile, Europe, though reducing overall gas consumption due to ambitious climate goals, remains keen on diversifying energy sources to ensure security amid geopolitical tensions.
Africa’s Gas Reserves and Production Capacity
Africa boasts over 620 trillion cubic feet (TCF) of natural gas, representing approximately 8.5% of global proven reserves. The continent’s gas powerhouses Nigeria, Algeria, Egypt, and Mozambique lead in reserves and production.
 Nigeria, with 206 TCF of proven reserves, is the largest gas producer in Africa. Its 22-million-ton-per-year, Nigeria LNG plant supplies major European markets, including Spain, Portugal, France, and Italy.
 Mozambique is emerging as a global LNG player, with TotalEnergies, ExxonMobil, and Eni spearheading projects like the Rovuma Basin LNG developments, set to deliver over 28 million tons per annum (MTPA).
 Egypt, leveraging its Mediterranean gas discoveries, is positioning itself as a regional hub, with LNG facilities in Idku and Damietta capable of exporting 12.2 MTPA to Europe.
 Algeria remains a reliable supplier to Europe through its extensive pipeline network and LNG capacity.

Unlocking Africa’s Gas Potential at IAE 2025
The IAE Forum 2025 will spotlight the untapped potential of African gas, offering investors a front-row seat to explore multi-billion-dollar projects. Beyond showcasing opportunities, the event will feature a Deal Room hosted by Premier Invest, connecting project developers with global financiers to catalyse investment in infrastructure, LNG terminals, and gas-to-power projects.
With the theme, “Pioneering Africa’s Energy Boom: Strategic Investment for Maximum Returns,” the forum emphasizes the continent’s ability to meet future global oil and gas demand. African nations are already establishing innovative financing mechanisms, such as the $5 billion energy bank, to support fossil fuel projects and ensure local control over energy development.

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