African nations are rapidly emerging as a major natural gas hub for Europe. The launch of long-delayed projects, billions of dollars in investment, and the deployment of new liquefaction technologies have enabled Nigeria, Algeria, the Republic of the Congo, and Mauritania to achieve record levels of liquefied natural gas (LNG) production.
Nigeria has focused on improving security and operational stability in the Niger Delta. Military forces and private security contractors have intensified protection of oil and gas infrastructure, while digital monitoring systems have helped reduce hydrocarbon theft by approximately 60%. These measures have allowed the Nigeria LNG (NLNG) facility on Bonny Island to return to its designed operating capacity.
A major milestone was the commissioning of the OB3 (Obiafu–Obrikom–Oben) interconnection gas pipeline in late May 2026. The pipeline enables surplus gas from eastern Nigeria to be transported westward, ensuring more reliable feedstock supply for LNG production facilities. Construction of NLNG Train 7 is also progressing. The project is now 72% complete and is being financed by a consortium of European banks. Once operational, it is expected to increase Nigeria’s LNG export capacity by approximately 35%.
Algeria is leveraging its geographic advantage and well-established pipeline network to strengthen its position in the gas market. Italian energy company Eni and French major TotalEnergies have invested more than $4 billion in upgrading the mature Berkine and Hassi R’Mel fields. A key objective is to capture associated gas that was previously flared and redirect it into export channels. LNG facilities in Arzew and Skikda are reportedly operating at 110% of their nominal capacity. Algeria is also taking advantage of market flexibility by diverting part of its pipeline gas volumes into LNG shipments, allowing exporters to benefit from higher spot prices.
The Republic of the Congo has quickly joined the ranks of notable LNG exporters through the use of floating liquefied natural gas (FLNG) technology. Eni recently commissioned a second FLNG unit under the Marine XII project, increasing total LNG production capacity to 3 million tonnes per year. According to project operators, all production volumes have already been contracted by European energy traders, highlighting strong demand for additional LNG supplies.
Mauritania continues to establish itself as an important emerging oil and gas producer. The flagship Greater Tortue Ahmeyim project, located offshore on the maritime border between Mauritania and Senegal, has reached full commercial operation and is reporting record export shipments. The success of the first development phase has encouraged the consortium led by BP and Kosmos Energy to approve funding for a second expansion phase. At the same time, development planning has begun for the deepwater BirAllah project, which is estimated to contain more than 1.4 trillion cubic meters of natural gas resources.
Africa is steadily filling a growing niche in the global gas market. The combination of European investment, modern LNG technologies, and strong political support is transforming the continent into a reliable supplier of liquefied natural gas for decades to come. As Europe continues to diversify its energy imports, African LNG producers are increasingly positioned to play a central role in global energy security and long-term supply chains.
Source: CDU TEK
Image: AI-generated
