- S&P Global Energy says West Africa’s electricity growth will depend on reliable gas supplies, stronger infrastructure and regional energy cooperation.
- The report examines Nigeria’s gas network, the West African Gas Pipeline and the proposed African Atlantic Gas Pipeline.
West Africa’s ability to meet rising electricity demand will depend on stronger energy infrastructure and reliable fuel supplies, according to an S&P Global Energy report.
The report says gas-fired power plants will remain important for additional electricity supply and system reliability across the region.
However, it identifies gas delivery, rather than resource availability, as a major challenge.
Nigeria, Senegal, Mauritania, Ghana and Côte d’Ivoire have substantial gas resources. Their future gas-to-power development will depend on upstream production, pipelines, LNG infrastructure and power generation.
Nigeria’s Role in Regional Gas Supply
Nigeria has sub-Saharan Africa’s most developed gas value chain, according to the report. It accounts for more than half of regional gas sales. The country is also Africa’s largest LNG exporter outside North Africa.
Nigeria’s estimated gas reserves stand at about 190 trillion cubic feet. This represents roughly 60 years of production at current rates.
The country also has West Africa’s most extensive gas transmission network. Existing pipelines connect producing areas to industrial and power demand centres in eastern and western Nigeria.
Two major projects are expected to improve gas connectivity. The Obiafu-Obrikom-Oben (OB3) interconnector will link eastern and western networks.
The Ajaokuta-Kaduna-Kano (AKK) pipeline is designed to serve planned power generation and industrial demand in northern Nigeria.
Ghana and Côte d’Ivoire also use domestic gas for electricity generation.
Gas Supply Constraints Affect Power Generation
Despite its gas resources and transmission infrastructure, Nigeria continues to face supply constraints.
Gas-fired plants account for most of the country’s installed thermal generation capacity. However, their availability remains below installed levels.
In early 2026, the Nigerian Independent System Operator reported that thermal plants received less than half their required gas supply.
The shortfall caused generating units to shut down and reduced electricity generation.
Power output increased as gas deliveries recovered. The report notes that payment discipline, contractual performance and market liquidity affect gas deliveries to power stations.
LNG Exports and Domestic Demand
The report also highlights competition between LNG exports and domestic gas demand.
International oil companies often favour LNG export projects because global prices offer higher returns. These projects also generate foreign exchange and tax revenue for governments.
Nigeria’s LNG export sector is expanding. Several recent upstream developments are directed towards meeting LNG feedgas requirements.
Floating LNG proposals also remain under discussion.
These developments create competing demands for available gas. Export projects, domestic power generation and regional pipeline plans all require supplies.
LNG imports offer another option where domestic production and pipeline infrastructure cannot meet demand.
Senegal became sub-Saharan Africa’s first LNG importer in 2025. It also began exporting LNG through the Greater Tortue Ahmeyim floating LNG project, shared with Mauritania.
Imported LNG supplies power generation around Dakar. Domestic gas resources are not yet connected to demand centres through pipelines.
Other countries could consider similar arrangements where gas discoveries are far from major demand centres. Imports may also help where projected gas-to-power demand exceeds domestic reserves.
However, imported LNG exposes buyers to international prices and foreign currency payment requirements.
West African Gas Pipeline Supports Regional Trade
The report identifies gas infrastructure as an important part of regional energy integration.
Pipelines, LNG import terminals and gas-fired plants connect demand centres with resources across national borders.
These facilities can reduce dependence on domestic reserves and imported liquid fuels. They also provide additional markets for gas producers.
The report says regional integration requires common rules covering tariffs, transit, taxation and dispute resolution.
The 569-kilometre West African Gas Pipeline has supplied Nigerian gas to Benin, Togo and Ghana since 2010.
The pipeline supports electricity generation in the three countries. Its throughput increased in 2026 as demand from power generators and industries grew.
However, the pipeline still operates below full capacity. Contractual and payment challenges have historically limited its utilisation.
Ghana’s offshore gas development has also changed how the pipeline operates. It now functions as a bidirectional, open-access system.
This allows Ghanaian gas to flow eastward. The system also enables imports when required.
Cross-Border Electricity Trade
Electricity trade provides another channel for regional cooperation.
Togo and Benin rely partly on imported electricity. Ghana, Côte d’Ivoire and Nigeria also supply power to neighbouring countries.
Cross-border connections can help countries manage domestic generation constraints. They can also support electricity reserves during periods of tight supply.
However, actual power delivery depends on available transmission infrastructure. Dispatch coordination and payment arrangements also affect cross-border electricity flows.
Proposed African Atlantic Gas Pipeline
The proposed African Atlantic Gas Pipeline is another regional infrastructure project discussed in the report.
Its planned route would cross Benin, Togo, Ghana and Côte d’Ivoire. It would also pass through Liberia, Sierra Leone, the Republic of Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Gambia, Senegal and Mauritania before reaching Morocco.
The proposal could also include connections to landlocked countries. These include Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger.
The project aims to connect gas-producing and gas-consuming markets along the Atlantic coast.
The report identifies potential benefits including wider market access, stronger energy security and greater integration of regional gas markets.