LNG exports from sub-Saharan Africa are expected to increase by approximately 175% to 98 billion cubic meters (bcm) per year by 2034, making investment in LNG terminals and supporting infrastructure increasingly strategic. Seven projects, spanning floating liquefaction, import terminals and regional pipelines, are reshaping Africa’s gas landscape, with much of the production capacity destined for export, but much of it with the potential to supply domestic markets. As this development progresses, Africa faces a central problem. Can LNG development ensure reliable and affordable gas for domestic power and industry, while simultaneously increasing export revenues?
Richards Bay LNG Terminal – South Africa
South Africa is developing an LNG terminal at Richards Bay Port under an agreement signed in 2025 between Transnet National Ports Authority (TNPA) and the National Energy Regulator. The terminal is expected to reduce the country’s dependence on coal, currently estimated at 81% of its energy mix, by facilitating the distribution and use of LNG. Developed by TNPA and Zululand Energy Terminal, the project has an initial production capacity of 2 million tonnes per annum (mtpa). Phase 1 will introduce a floating storage and regasification unit (FSRU), enabling faster and lower-cost gas delivery to the grid. A final investment decision is expected to be made in 2026, but concerns remain over Transnet’s high debt levels. However, strong demand for recent bond sales has attracted bids of R42 billion, showing continued investor confidence.
Guinea LNG Terminal – Guinea Conakry
The Guinea LNG terminal planned for Kamsar Port stands out as the most expensive infrastructure project ever, with an estimated cost of $3 billion. Developed by West Africa LNG Group, the terminal will utilize local gas for power generation and support bauxite mining hubs in Boké, Bel Air and Boffa in Guinea. With a 2022 law requiring on-site processing of extracted resources, gas-fired power generation offers a lower-cost, cleaner alternative to diesel and heavy oil. The project is also linked to the long-term development of gas supplies from the Greater Tortu Amayim (GTA) project, located off the coast of Senegal and Mauritania.
GTA LNG – Senegal, Mauritania
The GTA LNG project, operated by BP and Kosmos Energy, is the flagship gas development in the MSGBC region. The $4.8 billion project began LNG production in 2025, with a phase 1 capacity of 2.7 million tons per year and a phase 2 capacity of 5 million tons per year. Although primarily export-oriented, the GTA is also developing avenues for domestic gas utilization. Senegal is planning a gas-to-ammonia facility to support agricultural development, and Mauritania is exploring options to supply gas to iron ore mines in the north, where mining accounts for 24% of GDP.
Port of Nador LNG Terminal – Morocco
Morocco is developing its first LNG import terminal at the port of Nador, with an estimated cost of 2.73 billion Moroccan dirhams and targeted for completion in 2026-2027. The terminal will support Morocco’s strategy to diversify away from coal and meet rising gas demand, which is expected to rise from around 1 billion cubic meters (bcm) currently to 8 bcm by 2027. The terminal was initially connected to the national gas grid, but could later be linked to the proposed gas demand. Nigeria-Morocco Gas Pipeline. Strengthen regional integration and reduce energy costs for the industrial hubs of Kenitra and Mohammedia.
Coral Sul FLNG & Inhassoro LNG – Mozambique
Ocean liquefaction continues to support Mozambique’s emergence as a major LNG exporter. Coral Sul FLNG, operated by Eni, will have a capacity of 3.4 million tonnes per year and will involve an investment of $8 billion. The second unit, Coral North FLNG, is expected to be operational by 2028, effectively doubling Mozambique’s LNG production. In parallel, the government is developing LNG infrastructure at Beira and Inhassoro ports to ensure domestic gas supplies. The project includes an FSRU, storage facilities and an 865km ROMPCO pipeline that will support local industrialization while linking Mozambican gas to South African markets.
NLNG Train 7 – Nigeria
Nigeria is expanding the production capacity of the Nigeria LNG plant through the development of a seventh train. The $5 billion expansion will increase total LNG production capacity from 22.5 million tonnes per year to 30 million tonnes per year, leveraging Nigeria’s proven gas reserves of 202 trillion cubic feet to boost exports. Train 7, which is targeted for completion in 2027, is essential to maintaining Nigeria’s position in the global LNG market.
Looking ahead, Africa’s next phase of LNG development has the potential to reshape the continent’s gas landscape, but only if export-driven projects are systematically aligned with domestic arrangements, pricing frameworks, and regional infrastructure to ensure that expanded LNG production capacity supports both global market participation and reliable gas supplies for Africa’s power generation and industry.
