Natural gas is set to play a central role in Africa’s energy landscape, with demand projected to rise 60 per cent by 2050, according to the African Energy Chamber’s 2026 Outlook Report.

While North Africa currently dominates production, sub-Saharan Africa, with over 70 per cent of the continent’s recoverable gas, will drive future growth.

Nigeria leads the region’s expansion, with emerging producers like Mozambique, Senegal, Mauritania, and Angola following.

Key projects such as Coral Sul, Greater Tortue, and Congo LNG are adding export capacity and supporting domestic power needs, according to NJ Ayuk, Executive Chairman, African Energy Chamber.

African gas development offers dual economic benefits: export revenues and domestic industrialisation. Exports currently supply 8.5 per cent of global LNG, with sub-Saharan volumes set to quadruple by 2050, serving Asian and European markets.

Domestically, gas powers industry, transport, and electricity generation, with countries like Nigeria, Ghana, Mozambique, and Senegal expanding gas-fired capacity.

Gas-derived products, including fertilisers and petrochemicals, will further stimulate industrial growth, while LNG-to-power and compressed natural gas (CNG) initiatives enhance energy access.

However, realising this potential requires addressing upstream economics, market access, infrastructure, and fiscal stability.

Non-associated gas, while free from oil-linked constraints, needs competitive pricing and investment in pipelines and LNG facilities to connect supply with demand.

Transparent long-term contracts, balanced fiscal policies, and stable governance are essential to attract investment.

Sub-Saharan Africa’s gas sector represents a bridge fuel opportunity, supporting cleaner power generation, industrialisation, and export revenues.

By aligning upstream, midstream, and downstream priorities, African nations can transform gas abundance into sustainable energy security, economic growth, and industrial development across the continent.