African nations are increasingly recognising the potential of liquefied natural gas to drive economic growth and energy independence, according to a new report from the African Energy Chamber.
The chamber's "State of African Energy: 2026 Outlook Report" highlights how several gas-producing nations are pivoting from holding gas back primarily as an export product to building gas-centric domestic markets — a shift the organisation describes as essential for the continent to benefit fully from its fossil fuel reserves.
"Natural gas is a catalyst for African prosperity, not merely a commodity on the market," said NJ Ayuk, executive chairman of the African Energy Chamber. "By expanding LNG and domestic uses, nations can drive growth, cut emissions, and assert their energy independence."
Angola leads gas renaissance
Angola has emerged as a prime example of this transition. The country's journey into the global gas arena began with the construction of the Angola LNG facility in 2008, which transformed associated gas — previously flared or reinjected — into exportable LNG, significantly reducing upstream emissions.
The facility initially processed feedstock from offshore blocks operated by ExxonMobil, Total, and Eni/BP, later augmented with gas from blocks operated by Eni/BP and Chevron.
Recent progress includes the December 2024 achievement of first gas from the Sanha Lean Gas project, aimed at boosting supply volumes to the Angola LNG plant.
Angola has also begun targeting non-associated gas fields in the Lower Congo basin. The New Gas Consortium, a joint venture headed by Azule Energy, is targeting numerous developments expected to ramp up LNG capacity by 2026.
Domestically, Angola is allocating more gas to power generation, with supplies feeding the 750-megawatt Soyo combined-cycle gas turbine plant that has been balancing hydropower fluctuations since 2018. The Angola Gas Master Plan calls for fertiliser and methanol facilities by 2030, which would spur a massive increase in gas demand.
Cross-border LNG venture shows promise
Mauritania and Senegal became LNG exporters in 2025 with the Greater Tortue Ahmeyim project, a shared deepwater development. The cross-border venture has generated approximately 3,000 local jobs and engaged roughly 300 domestic companies.
The project reached a final investment decision using a floating LNG model inspired by proven tanker conversions that have kept costs competitive despite deepwater challenges. Future expansions could double output through low-cost vessel upgrades.
Domestically, each country receives about 35 million standard cubic feet per day from the project, with Senegal's portion going to the Saint-Louis combined-cycle gas turbine for power generation, expected in 2026. Infrastructure initiatives aim to electrify close to 500,000 homes.
Continental integration gains momentum
As of 2025, Africa's gross natural gas production is set to reach 331 billion cubic metres, led by Algeria, Nigeria, and Egypt. Natural gas already powers 40% of the continent's electricity, with North Africa accounting for a 32% share.
By 2050, gas-fired capacity could increase by more than 77 gigawatts, though its share of the total energy mix is expected to remain around 40%. This demonstrates how gas can serve as a transitional fuel during expected growth in renewables, providing flexibility to support solar and wind during downtime.
Numerous nations are phasing out coal and oil, implementing gas-to-power strategies whilst looking towards LNG imports or domestic sources. Nigeria has made gas-to-power a centrepiece of its master plan, whilst South Africa's plans emphasise converting gas to electricity during coal retirement.
These efforts are amplified by regional power pools — collaborations that allow neighbouring countries to connect to each other's power grids. The African Single Electricity Market aims for full integration by 2040, potentially unlocking further gas potential by linking exporters to importers.
The African Energy Chamber emphasises that targeted investments can overcome challenges like infrastructure gaps, import vulnerabilities, and environmental concerns as the continent develops its natural gas resources.
African nations pivot to LNG for energy security and growth
