A ROBUST outlook for Africa’s liquefied natural gas (LNG) industry emerged during the Invest in African Energy Forum in Paris, shedding light on the continent’s potential as a global LNG exporter amidst rising production capacities.
Africa’s LNG export capacity is set to surge in the coming years, with Nigeria aiming to increase output from 22 million tons per annum (mtpa) to over 31 mtpa, and Mozambique eyeing a rise from 2.2 mtpa to over 43 mtpa by the decade’s end. Additionally, new discoveries in Namibia, Cote d;Ivoire, and Senegal underscore Africa’s growing role in the global LNG market.
The forum, sponsored by independent oil company Perenco, explored market dynamics, investment trends, regulatory strategies, and technological innovations shaping Africa’s LNG landscape.
Per Magnus Nysveen, Senior Partner & Head of Analysis at Rystad Energy, highlighted Africa’s potential to meet a significant portion of global gas demand while addressing energy poverty sustainably. ‘Africa has the potential to contribute to one-fourth of global gas production,’ Nysveen remarked.
Armel Simondin, CEO of Perenco, outlined the company’s commitment to gas projects in Africa, emphasising investments in gas-to-power initiatives. ‘Our Gabon project integrates gas-to-power and LPG, demonstrating our focus on innovative energy solutions,’ said Simondin.
Julius Rone, Group Managing Director of UTM Offshore, provided updates on Nigeria’s pioneering Floating LNG project, aiming to be Africa’s first indigenous-owned facility. ‘UTM FLNG will be completed by Q3 2028, spearheading local LNG production,’ Rone affirmed.
Dr. Bi-Dia-Ayo Ibata, Administrator at SNPC, highlighted the rapid development of gas projects in the Republic of the Congo, emphasising environmental considerations and production scalability.
Addressing challenges in gas project development, speakers cited environmental concerns, financing constraints, and infrastructure development as key hurdles. Cobie Loper, SVP at NOV, stressed the importance of technology adaptation amid the energy transition, urging industry-wide innovation.
Dr. Ibata reiterated the urgency of energy access in Africa, advocating for leveraging natural resources to drive economic development sustainably. ‘Africa must transition to cleaner energy solutions to advance,’ Dr. Ibata emphasised.
The two-day Invest in African Energy Forum, which ends on May 15, facilitated crucial discussions on Africa’s LNG industry, reaffirming the continent’s potential to shape global energy markets and drive sustainable development.
