Explore more Articles in
LNG
Congo’s Upstream Expansion Signals New Era for Central Africa’s Energy Future
Download logo
The Republic of Congo is entering a period of rapid growth, with upstream expansion across both the oil and natural gas industries positioning the country as a strategic anchor for Central Africa's energy development. With the start of operations at Congo LNG Phase 2, goals to reach 500,000 barrels per day (bpd) in oil production and bold reforms across its regulatory landscape, the Republic of Congo is sending a strong message to foreign investors: Central Africa is open for business and committed to realizing large-scale projects.
Natural Gas: A Cornerstone of Congo's Energy Strategy
Natural gas has emerged as a cornerstone of Congo's energy strategy, with recent advancements in LNG development reflecting the nation's commitment to bringing projects online efficiently and at pace. Brought onstream six months ahead of schedule and 35 months after construction began, the Congo LNG Phase 2 project began operations in December 2025. Part of the broader Congo LNG development, phase two increases the project's capacity by 2.4 million tons per annum (mtpa), bringing the total output to 3 mtpa. Phase two features three production platforms as well as the Scarabeo 5 unit - dedicated to gas treatment and compression - and the Nguya FLNG unit. First cargo is expected to be exported in early 2026.
The milestone comes shortly after the country became an LNG exporter, with the start of Congo LNG Phase 1 - the country's first major offshore gas development - achieved in late-2023. The commissioning of phase two marks an extraordinary acceleration, reflecting a national drive to position gas as a catalyst for growth. Beyond Congo LNG, advancements are being made at the Bango Kayo project - spearheaded by China's Wing Wah and incorporating an integrated gas monetization component. Developed in several phases, the project will produce LNG, LPG, butane and propane for the domestic market, with scalable gas infrastructure unlocking up to 30 billion cubic meters of gas over 25 years.
The Quest for 500,000 BPD
Congo's oil sector has long-been a critical contributor to the regional economy, but the push toward 500,000 bpd represents a new level of ambition. Several developments are underway to achieve this goal. TotalEnergies is investing $600 million in exploration and production, with a focus on the Moho Nord field. Trident Energy is expanding its portfolio following its acquisition of Chevron's Congolese assets in 2024, while Perenco is advancing the Kombi 2 platform, with operations on track for early-2026.
Wing Wah is also gearing up for greater production with the September 2025 signing of a $23 billion hydrocarbon agreement for the development of the Bango Kayo, Holmoni and Cayo permits. The deal aims to ramp-up output across the permits to more than 1.3 barrels by 2050. This upstream resurgence comes at a time when Central Africa is facing widening demand for secure energy supplies. Congo's production growth strengthens the region's ability to meet both export commitments and domestic needs.
Regulation Fuels Opportunity
The Republic of Congo's upstream momentum is being fueled by policy frameworks. In the gas sector, the country is establishing a Gas Master Plan, offering a clear development framework for the sector. Speaking at African Energy Week (AEW) 2025, the country's Minister of Hydrocarbon Bruno Jean-Richard Itoua, also announced that Congo's new Gas Code will be launched this year, creating greater clarity and providing long-term governance. These policies complement the anticipated launch of a licensing round. While faced with delays, the upcoming round is expected to feature strategic block opportunities, supporting forays by international players. Platforms such as AEW - which returns to Cape Town from 12-16 October 2026 - further supports foreign investment by promoting opportunities, connecting players and showcasing Congo's energy strategy to a global audience.
“The Republic of Congo is showing the continent what is possible when you combine political will, strong partnerships and a commitment to monetizing the resources you have today - not 10 years from now. Billions of dollars in oil and gas opportunities are being unlocked and Congo's success is strengthening the entire Central African region. This is the kind of bold development Africa needs,” says NJ Ayuk, Executive Chairman of the African Energy Chamber.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Energy Chamber.MSGBC Oil, Gas & Power 2025 to Discuss Clean Energy and Industrial Development
Download logo
Mauritania has advanced its clean energy agenda with the August 2025 unveiling of a 160 MW solar plant, 60 MW wind farm and large-scale battery storage systems - all to be developed under a new public-private partnership framework. The announcement comes as the MSGBC basin undergoes rapid transformation in its energy sector, following the start of LNG production at the Greater Tortue Ahmeyim project earlier this year – a milestone set to reshape regional power generation, industrial expansion and export potential.
Amid this progress, the MSGBC Oil, Gas & Power 2025 conference and exhibition – taking place in Dakar from December 8-10 – will host a high-level session – Powering the MSGBC Region with Sustainable Technologies. Speakers include Katrin Puetz, Co-Founder of social business initiative BioGasUnite; a senior representative from Senegal's body for oil and gas projects COS Petrogaz; Jonathan Ambrogi, Business Development Officer at consultancy firm EnGreen; and Jason Yang, General Manager at industrial manufacturer Neway Valve. The panelists will examine how emerging technologies, expanded gas and renewable capacity, and improved regulatory frameworks can accelerate energy security, industrial growth and sustainable development across the MSGBC region.
Explore opportunities, foster partnerships and stay at the forefront of the MSGBC region's oil, gas and power sector. Visit www.MSGBCOilGasAndPower.com to secure your participation at the MSGBC Oil, Gas & Power 2025 conference. To sponsor or participate as a delegate, please contact sales@energycapitalpower.com.
Senegal continues to consolidate its position as a regional power hub through its upcoming Cap des Biches combined-cycle gas plant, which will add 300 MW to the national grid and support the country's 2025 target of 30% renewables in its electricity mix. The project follows the start of the Sangomar oil field in mid-2024 – which has strengthened government revenue streams intended to support diversified industrial development - and ahead of the anticipated final investment decision on the Yakaar-Teranga gas project. Yakaar-Teranga further anchors Senegal's strategy to deploy natural gas as a stabilizing bridge fuel.
The Gambia is similarly advancing its energy and regulatory landscape, with new petroleum exploration and production legislation under development and a fresh renewable energy partnership with Turkey aimed at expanding national infrastructure. These advancements align with the country's goal of achieving 90% electrification by the end of 2025.
Mauritania's position as a future global green hydrogen hub also forms a central part of the regional transition, marked by gigawatt-scale ventures such as the Aman project – which completed geological studies in March 2025 – and the Megaton Moon initiative, following its framework agreement signed in February 2025. Together, these projects aim to supply both domestic green industries such as green iron production and export markets in Europe.
Against this backdrop, the upcoming MSGBC Oil, Gas & Power conference will bring together industry leaders to examine how these emerging renewable, gas-to-power and hydrogen developments can accelerate sustainable growth across the region.
“Powering the MSGBC Region with sustainable Technologies will be a critical session that reflects the basin's rapid shift toward cleaner, more reliable energy systems. As new gas, renewable and hydrogen projects come online, this dialogue will help stakeholders chart a pathway to long-term energy security and industrial growth,” states Sandra Jeque, Events and Project Director, Energy Capital & Power.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Energy Capital & Power.MSGBC Conference to Spotlight Regional Infrastructure, Logistics Opportunities
Major milestones across the MSGBC basin are accelerating the region's rise as a leading African energy hub, with the Greater Tortue Ahmeyim (GTA) LNG project commencing commercial operations and Senegal's Sangomar oilfield coming online. These achievements mark a decisive shift in the basin's capabilities, positioning the MSGBC region as a growing exporter of both gas and liquids while attracting new waves of international investment. Yet as production scales upward, the region's long-term competitiveness will hinge not only on what is produced, but on how efficiently those resources can reach global markets.
The upcoming MSGBC Oil, Gas & Power 2025 conference and exhibition will feature a panel session titled Integrated Infrastructure & Logistics: Beyond the Port to Global Markets. The session will focus on investment needs and opportunities in integrated infrastructure and logistics to connect the region's expanding energy market and mineral resource production to regional and global markets. The panel will bring together senior representatives from key companies that play a significant role in the MSGBC region's infrastructure and logistics landscape, including speakers from private equity firm Actis, industrial manufacturer Neway Valve, management firm EPCM Holdings and logistics provider Africa Global Logistics.
Explore opportunities, foster partnerships and stay at the forefront of the MSGBC region's oil, gas and power sector. Visit www.MSGBCOilGasAndPower.com to secure your participation at the MSGBC Oil, Gas & Power 2025 conference. To sponsor or participate as a delegate, please contact sales@energycapitalpower.com.
The panel will highlight the importance of integrated infrastructure in enabling the development of the MSGBC region's energy and mineral resources. The discussion is expected to cover multimodal transport infrastructure, including pipelines, ports and rail, as well as the role of logistics and industrial suppliers in supporting energy and mining projects. Attendees will have the opportunity to hear directly from companies that are actively contributing to the region's growing energy and industrial sectors, including the GTA gas project, Mauritania's Energy Service Zone and other key initiatives.
The MSGBC region's energy and mineral sectors are increasingly drawing international attention, with investment focused on both export infrastructure and domestic industrialization. Integrated transport networks, including pipelines and regional rail connections, are critical to unlocking the economic potential of these resources. As such, the panel is set to provide insight into the companies, partnerships and infrastructure solutions that are shaping the MSGBC region's ability to connect its production to global markets, while also supporting regional economic growth and industrial development.
“This panel underscores the critical role of integrated infrastructure and logistics in connecting the MSGBC region's energy and mineral resources to regional and global markets. It will provide a platform for industry leaders to share insights on the partnerships and solutions driving economic growth and sustainable development across the basin,” states Sandra Jeque, Events and Project Director, Energy Capital & Power.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Energy Capital & Power.The Surge in Gas Production and Africa’s Path to Economic Transformation (By NJ Ayuk)
Download logo
By NJ Ayuk, Executive Chairman, African Energy Chamber (https://EnergyChamber.org).
Natural gas will be a pivotal component of Africa's energy future as it is uniquely poised for growth despite the move toward a surplus liquefied natural gas (LNG) supply in the global gas cycle.
As detailed in the African Energy Chamber's 2026 Outlook Report, “The State of African Energy,” African demand for gas is forecast to rise 60% by 2050. In fact, gas is the only fossil fuel expected to expand its share of primary energy demand globally. Furthermore, as North Africa's dominance in the sector diminishes, the report expects sub-Saharan Africa to drive this gas surge as the region holds over 70% of the continent's remaining recoverable resources.
Export revenues and domestic use are the two avenues down which Africa will find the transformative benefits that gas offers, but actually getting there depends on successfully navigating infrastructure gaps, pricing disputes, and the transition from associated to non-associated gas.
The Next Gas Epicenter
Two-thirds of gas production on the continent takes place in North Africa with Algeria, Egypt, and Libya holding the top spots as leading producers with high gas penetration in their own power mixes. However, we expect North Africa's share of total continental production to decrease to below 40% by 2035 as output from other regional producers accelerates. While sub-Saharan production currently accounts for the remaining third of current gross output, the region will dominate future growth.
With the 2021 launch of its “Decade of Gas,” a government initiative to develop gas resources and aid in the transition to cleaner energy, Nigeria will likely lead this expansion, as it already produces more than half of the region's commercialized gas. Emerging producers like Mozambique, Tanzania, Senegal, Mauritania, and Angola are set to follow. Notably, Mozambique's Coral Sul project, Senegal-Mauritania's Greater Tortue project, and Congo LNG have all added new export streams since 2022.
Our 2026 Outlook Report also forecasts that total African gross gas demand will have climbed steadily from roughly 55 billion cubic meters (Bcm) per year in 2020 to over 90 Bcm by 2050. Residential, industrial, and other power sectors are anticipated to drive the growth.
With sub-Saharan Africa holding more than 400 trillion cubic feet (Tcf) of recoverable gas resources, which amount to 70% of the continent's total reserves, the region is poised to meet that demand.
Also, unlike North Africa's mature, pipeline-linked markets, sub-Saharan gas is increasingly non-associated or “dry,” meaning it is not found alongside crude oil in reserves. While non-associated gas is more expensive per million British thermal unit (MMBtu), the fact that it is not cross-subsidized by oil essentially frees it from the operational and pricing constraints of oil-centric projects, making the gas available to new domestic, regional, or export pathways to monetization.
Transformative Avenues: Exports and Domestic Industrialization
As our report explains, gas development can transform host government economies through two primary channels: exports and in-country value creation.
Exports: Last year, Africa supplied 34.7 million metric tonnes (MMt) of LNG (8.5% of the global supply). Sub-Saharan volumes in 2024 reached 26.9 MMt, with 60% destined for Asia and 25% for Europe. Adding Tanzania to the export roster, the 2026 Outlook Report projects a quadrupling of the sub-Saharan supply by 2050.
Furthermore, as west and southwest African LNG producers are in proximity to both Atlantic and Indian Ocean markets, producers in these regions specifically can function as swing suppliers, taking advantage of fluctuations in European and Asian LNG spot prices or global supply disruptions.
Also, where gas export projects have domestic market obligations (DMOs), like in Nigeria, Senegal-Mauritania, Angola, and Cameroon, growth in exports grows the gas supply for domestic use. For example, Senegal has plans of achieving 3 gigawatts (GW) of gas-fired power by 2050, largely fed by DMOs from the Greater Tortue LNG project and the Yakaar-Teranga LNG project.
Domestic Monetization and Industrialization: In addition to the revenue collected from exports, gas can empower a producing nation by fueling transport, powering industry, and electrifying homes all within its borders.
Although only a few sub-Saharan countries currently have power mixes that include gas, generation from natural gas has shown a steady increase across the region over the last decade. As detailed in our report, Nigeria's gas-fired capacity is at 12.6 GW, and installations in Ghana and Mozambique are at 2.9 GW and 1.1 GW, respectively. Tanzania, Senegal, Angola, Côte d'Ivoire, and South Africa are also home to smaller gas power plants. In countries such as Senegal and Ghana, that have coastal demand centers, floating power ships operating on natural gas are in place to satisfy demand.
What's more, Nigeria, South Africa, Senegal, Angola, Ghana, Tanzania, and Mozambique all have stated ambitions of developing or furthering gas-to-power infrastructure. Our report also sees a coming increase in demand for gas-derived products such as fertilizers and petrochemicals, as well as for implementation in industrial applications like metals processing.
Angola's recently approved National Gas Plan targets these sectors with a focus on curbing import reliance, while Nigeria's push for compressed natural gas (CNG) vehicles under the 2020 National Gas Expansion Program officially commenced in March 2022. These are just two examples of how sub-Saharan Africa's gas sector is poised to deliver an economic one-two punch through exports and in-country monetization that would enable nations to cut down on imports, grow their revenues, and provide energy access to their people for decades to come.
Challenges to Realizing Africa's Gas Potential
Africa holds both abundant gas resources and significant unrealized potential. In fact, Africa ranks second in the world behind only Russia for discovered yet undeveloped gas resources. In two examples, the Rovuma basin, off the coasts of southern Tanzania and northern Mozambique, holds 129 Tcf, and the Niger Delta basin along the Nigerian coast holds 113 Tcf, but these basins remain largely untapped.
There are numerous obstacles between Africa's current position and the economic transformation that gas development could deliver. Our 2026 Outlook Report identifies four essential success factors that Africa must manage if it is to navigate those obstacles: upstream economics, market access and offtake, adequate infrastructure, and country risk/fiscal terms.
As international majors have been known to exit discoveries due to a lack of integration of these factors, support from governments and regulators is critical to finding alignment between them.
Upstream Economics: Currently, over 50% of sub-Saharan production is tied to associated gas, which carries very low production costs. This has contributed heavily to regional gas sector expansion as seen in Nigeria and Angola. By contrast, non-associated gas — though not constrained by oil production rates, enhanced oil recovery reinjection requirements, or oil price fluctuations — demands a competitive dollar-per-MMBtu price to justify future investment and infrastructure development.
Market Access and Offtake: To ensure transparent pricing, adequate returns, and reliable long-term demand all while maximizing domestic benefits, success with this factor will require long-term contracts with creditworthy offtakers (buyers held to specified purchase amounts through long-term agreements), predictable consumption patterns, and government-backed incentives that encourage producers to sell and consumers to buy.
Adequate Infrastructure: Linking supply hubs to demand centers requires LNG facilities and pipelines. With this factor, the “chicken-and-egg paradox” emerges: Investors who can provide the necessary infrastructure expect guaranteed demand, yet demand only grows once that infrastructure is in place. This dynamic is why governments must put in place predictable regulatory and pricing frameworks that attract investment while advancing national economic and energy priorities.
Country Risk and Fiscal Terms: To keep gas production projects attractive to investors, national governments must find the correct balance of royalties, production sharing terms, taxation, DMOs, and local content requirements. Governments must also align their export and domestic priorities to satisfy operator needs and achieve their own local supply or revenue ambitions. Maintaining overall political stability to ensure long-term investor confidence is another critical component of this success factor.
Seizing the Surplus
The 2026 Outlook frames gas as Africa's bridge fuel: cleaner than coal or oil, versatile for power generation and industrial applications, and increasingly competitive as global prices decrease in the coming years.
Sub-Saharan Africa's anticipated non-associated gas production surge can deliver energy security, export revenues, and new industrial jobs. Success in this effort will require a resolution of the infrastructure-demand paradox through reliable contracts, transparent pricing, and balanced fiscal policies.
If African nations can collectively support upstream scalability, midstream connectivity, and downstream certainty, gas production will not merely surge — it will transform the entire continent for the better.
"The State of African Energy: 2026 Outlook Report" is available for download. Visit https://apo-opa.co/48v4gzN to request your copy.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Energy Chamber.Angola Launches New Gas Consortium (NGC) Project, Unlocking New Era of Non-Associated Gas Development
Download logo
Angola has officially launched its first dedicated non-associated gas project, the New Gas Consortium (NGC) Gas Treatment Plant in Soyo, marking a major milestone for the country's energy sector. Commissioned in November 2025, the onshore facility processes around 400 million standard cubic feet of gas per day and 20,000 barrels of condensate, sourced from the offshore Quiluma and Maboqueiro fields. The project represents a significant shift for Angola, moving beyond its historical reliance on oil and tapping standalone gas resources that can support a more diversified and resilient energy economy.
The African Energy Chamber (AEC) – as the voice of the African energy sector – strongly welcomes this achievement, viewing it as a transformative step for Angola and the continent. By developing non-associated gas, Angola is reducing its historical reliance on oil, creating jobs, building local skills and establishing a reliable supply of cleaner power. Thousands of Angolans were mobilized during construction and commissioning, with over 4,500 employed at the peak of activity and another 1,200 involved in fabrication and infrastructure, demonstrating how energy projects can deliver direct, tangible benefits to communities.
Gas from the Soyo plant feeds directly into the Angola LNG facility, supporting both exports and domestic power generation, as well as future industrial projects such as fertilizer production for agriculture. Operated by Azule Energy – a 50:50 joint venture between energy majors bp and Eni – alongside Cabinda Gulf Oil Company, Sonangol E&P and TotalEnergies, the $4 billion project reached full operations six months ahead of schedule, demonstrating efficiency, strong project management and Angola's growing capability to delivery large-scale, complex energy infrastructure.
The NGC project also strengthens Angola's position in the global natural gas market. Unlike associated gas produced alongside oil, non-associated gas is a standalone resource, offering long-term industrial and economic advantages while supporting cleaner energy production. The momentum in the country's gas sector continues with the recent discovery at the Gajajeira-01 exploration well in offshore Block 1/14. Announced in July 2025, this was the first dedicated gas exploration well in Angola and has revealed potential gas volumes exceeding 1 trillion cubic feet, along with up to 100 million barrels of condensate. Operated by Azule Energy with partners Equinor, Sonangol E&P and Acrep S.A., the discovery confirms the enormous potential of the Lower Congo Basin and underscores the value of Angola's non-associated gas strategy.
“Non-associated gas deposits guarantee additional production rather than relying solely on the gas that is associated with oil. The benefits are significant, as gas is in great demand in the international market, is less polluting than diesel and offers a competitive price. We believe that other developments like this will come along, which is promising for the Angolan people and the national economy,” stated Angola's President João Lourenço.
Echoing the President's enthusiasm for gas development in the country, Angola's Minister of Mineral Resources, Oil and Gas Diamantino Azevedo added that, “This is the first non-associated natural gas treatment production project in Angola. […] Angola established a modern, competitive and attractive legal and fiscal regime for the development of gas not associated with oil, definitively opening the door to structuring projects like this.”
For the AEC, the Soyo plant is a clear example of how Africa can take control of its energy future, executing complex projects efficiently while creating economic and social value. It highlights the continent's ability to responsibly develop its resources, deliver energy security and open new avenues for industrialization and sustainable growth. The Chamber applauds Angola, Azule Energy and all partners involved for achieving this milestone and setting a benchmark for non-associated gas development in Africa.
“Angola's first non-associated gas project marks a decisive moment for the country's energy future. It shows what is possible when bold leadership, strong partnerships and investor confidence align. This development will unlock new value, drive industrial growth and position Angola as a competitive force in Africa's evolving gas market,” states NJ Ayuk, Executive Chairman, AEC.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Energy Chamber.