- African LNG projects in Mozambique and Nigeria are nearing final decisions.
- Upcoming projects could double Africa’s LNG share within ten years.
African LNG projects in Mozambique and Nigeria are moving closer to final investment decisions. Consequently, this progress marks a turning point for the continent’s energy sector. At the African Energy Week 2025, developers outlined regulatory, design, and commercial progress that could improve global competitiveness.
Arnie Gibbs, Chair of Mozambique Rovuma Ventures at ExxonMobil, announced that the Rovuma LNG project targets approval next year. He expressed confidence that conditions in Mozambique are aligning positively. He also stressed the importance of boosting local content and expanding employment in Cabo Delgado. In addition, he explained that the project will adopt a greener design with 12 modular units producing 1.5 MTPA each.
In Nigeria, Julius Rone, CEO of UTM Offshore, confirmed that the $5 billion floating LNG project remains firmly on course. Furthermore, Vitol has signed on as an off-taker, while collaboration with Seplat is almost complete. Rone emphasised that the facility will deliver LPG to Nigeria’s domestic market and export LNG to Europe and Asia.
Olakunle Osobu, Deputy Managing Director at Nigeria LNG, explained that Africa contributes under 10% of global LNG trade. However, he predicted that new projects could double this contribution within the next decade. Nigeria’s LNG capacity, he added, will increase from 22 million to 30 million MTPA. Additionally, Osobu pointed to over 45 MTPA of potential supply from Mozambique, Angola, Mauritania, Senegal, and the Republic of Congo. According to him, Africa could reach 120 MTPA by 2035.
Timothy Fakrogha, NLNG’s GM Commercial, observed key changes in global demand. He noted, for example, a trend towards short-term contracts and more flexible supply portfolios. As a result, he argued that Africa can compete by providing lower-carbon LNG and demonstrating strong ESG commitments.
Meanwhile, Federico Petersen, Chief Commercial Officer at Golar LNG, stressed the urgency of securing affordable gas and reliable partnerships. He therefore urged governments to assist investors with favourable tax regimes, efficient production-sharing agreements, and easier foreign exchange access.
African LNG projects are, therefore, positioned to expand Africa’s trade role. They promise economic growth and measurable environmental benefits across the continent.