Africa stands at a defining moment in its energy journey. Beneath its soil lies more than 13 trillion cubic meters of natural gas — about 7% of the world’s reserves — and above it, vast potential for solar, wind, and hydro-power. With the right mix of policy and investment, the continent could reconcile energy security, industrialization, and a low-carbon future.
Yet, behind the bold headlines announcing billion-dollar gas and green hydrogen projects, progress remains uneven. Many ventures are still on the drawing board, waiting for credible technical partners and financing. In a world where geopolitics, market volatility, and capital scarcity collide, Africa’s challenge is clear: turning promise into bankable, resilient projects.
Gas remains Africa’s backbone. Algeria, Egypt, and Nigeria already supply over 10% of the global LNG trade. Nigeria’s ongoing Train 7 expansion (12 Mt/year) reflects its ambition, though insecurity and financing gaps persist. Regional pipelines such as the 7,000-km Nigeria–Morocco Atlantic Gas Pipeline, linking 13 West African nations, and the Trans-Saharan route to Europe, aim to weave Africa into global energy flows. In Mozambique, the $20 billion Rovuma LNG project shows both the scale of opportunity and the fragility caused by security threats in Cabo Delgado.
Meanwhile, green hydrogen is emerging as Africa’s next frontier. Morocco, Egypt, Namibia, and South Africa are racing ahead with pilot projects — from Namibia’s $9.4 billion Hyphen plant to Egypt’s 8 GW electrolysis target in the Suez zone. But most are still seeking funding and regulatory stability.
Across the continent, the hurdles are interconnected: financing, security, and integration. Attracting global capital will demand blended finance, ESG-aligned governance, and strong regional cooperation through frameworks like AfCFTA and the African power pools.
If Africa can move beyond grand announcements to execution, combining gas, renewables, and hydrogen for local industrial growth; it could redefine global energy geography. The continent’s next chapter won’t just be about extraction; it will be about transformation, inclusion, and energy sovereignty fit for Agenda 2063.