- At the Africa Climate Forum panel themed “Transitioning on the Back of Gas,” energy experts called for a redefined approach to Africa’s gas ecosystem.
- Experts at the forum urged African governments and private stakeholders to prioritise coordinated investments, policy stability, and infrastructure development in the gas value chain, stressing that with strategic management, gas could power Africa’s development today while enabling a cleaner, more sustainable tomorrow.
At the Africa Climate Forum panel themed “Transitioning on the Back of Gas,” energy experts called for a redefined approach to Africa’s gas ecosystem, emphasising its vital role as both a transition and transformative fuel. The discussion highlighted gas as a crucial bridge between the continent’s current energy realities and its envisioned net-zero future.
The session formed part of the Africa Climate Forum 2025, held in Abuja, Nigeria, from October 14 to 15, under the theme “Bolder, Greener and Better Steps: Closing the Transition Gaps in Africa.”
Speaking at the panel, Alexander Kationg of the African Energy Council described gas as the world’s most environmentally friendly fossil fuel, producing 60 per cent less carbon emissions than coal and 30 per cent less than oil.
According to him, gas can effectively complement renewable energy sources by mitigating intermittency challenges. Beyond electricity generation, Kationg added that gas supports industrial production, fertiliser and plastic manufacturing, home heating, LPG cooking, and CNG-powered transport. He also pointed out that gas infrastructure could eventually pave the way for cleaner technologies such as hydrogen.
Meanwhile, Professor Stephen Ogaji, General Manager, Transformation and Delivery at NDPHC, identified infrastructure, security, and regulatory inconsistency as major obstacles to gas sector growth. He stressed that addressing these bottlenecks, alongside improving financing and policy coherence, would enable Nigeria to optimise gas use, generate more power, and prepare for a future beyond hydrocarbons.
Furthermore, Chiedu Ugbo, Senior Partner at Power Matters Consulting and former Managing Director of Niger Delta Power Holding Company, argued that Africa’s gas narrative must be rooted in just transition, energy security, and resource optimisation.
He maintained that while advanced economies built their wealth on fossil fuels, Africa must harness its vast reserves—estimated at 200 trillion cubic feet proven and up to 600 trillion potential not merely as a transition tool but as a transformative driver for industrial and economic growth. However, he cautioned that commercial risks and mismatches in Nigeria’s gas-to-power arrangements continue to hinder progress.
In addition, Frank Edozie, Director of Power Component at UK-Nigeria Infrastructure Advisory Facility (UKNIAF), called for a paradigm shift in Africa’s energy transition discourse. He contended that Africa’s primary challenge is development, not climate planning.
“Pollution indices in Africa stem from underdevelopment,” he said, citing reliance on firewood and diesel generators as examples. Edozie urged leaders to focus on meaningful fuels that power economic growth while gradually achieving net-zero emissions through balanced gas use and reforestation efforts.
Similarly, Eduardo G. Pereira, Managing Partner of International Energy Law Advisory Group, criticised Western nations and financial institutions for their inconsistent stance on fossil fuel financing. He highlighted Europe’s continued dependence on Russian gas despite sanctions, calling out the hypocrisy in denying developing regions similar opportunities.
Pereira questioned the limited renewable energy investments in Africa and emphasised the need for strong infrastructure and viable electricity markets to attract investors.
Finally, Chudi Ojokwu, Partner at LCN (Notaries and Legal Practitioners) and session moderator, concluded that gas should be considered a strategic rather than merely a transition fuel. He asserted that effective management of gas resources could offset pollution concerns and still align with Africa’s net-zero ambitions.
Experts at the forum urged African governments and private stakeholders to prioritise coordinated investments, policy stability, and infrastructure development in the gas value chain—stressing that with strategic management, gas could power Africa’s development today while enabling a cleaner, more sustainable tomorrow.