Africa is increasingly recognizing natural gas as a practical and powerful pathway to economic growth, energy security, and industrial development.
As outlined in the African Energy Chamber’s State of African Energy: 2026 Outlook Report, gas-producing nations across the continent are shifting from treating gas primarily as an export commodity to building strong domestic gas markets.
This transition is not speculative—it is essential. Rising electricity demand, industrialization goals, and the need for grid stability make natural gas a cornerstone of Africa’s energy future and a critical bridge in the global energy transition.
Angola illustrates this shift clearly. While LNG exports remain important, the country is expanding gas-to-power projects and planning fertilizer, methanol, and petrochemical developments to stimulate domestic growth, create jobs, and reduce import dependence. Strategic investments in pipelines and non-associated gas fields could further unlock stranded resources and support long-term energy security.
Meanwhile, Mauritania and Senegal entered the LNG export market in 2025 through the Greater Tortue Ahmeyim (GTA) project.
Beyond exports, both countries have secured domestic gas allocations to support power generation, electrify hundreds of thousands of homes, and enable downstream industries such as fertilizers and petrochemicals.
Across the continent, natural gas already supplies about 40% of Africa’s electricity, a share expected to remain stable even as renewables grow.
Countries including Nigeria, South Africa, Senegal, Ghana, and Tanzania are prioritizing gas-to-power as they phase out coal and oil. Regional power pools and the planned African Single Electricity Market could further amplify gas’s impact by improving cross-border electricity trade.
As Africa balances development needs with climate goals, natural gas stands out as a catalyst for prosperity—not just a commodity. By integrating LNG exports with domestic utilization, African nations can drive growth, cut emissions, and build true energy independence.
By James Kisoo
