In response to the dramatic changes in Europe’s energy landscape, the Africa Investment in Energy (IAE) 2026 Forum in Paris will host a ministerial dialogue on “Unlocking Africa’s gas supplies for global energy security”. This strategy session will explore how Africa can transform its untapped gas reserves into reliable and sustainable sources of supply. As Europe looks to diversify away from Russian gas, the dialogue highlights both the continent’s growing role in global energy markets and the opportunities for African producers to attract long-term investment.
Recent developments highlight the urgency of Africa’s role in global energy security. Last month, EU countries agreed to phase out remaining Russian gas imports, with existing contracts set to benefit from a transition period. Short-term contracts can continue until June 2026, and long-term contracts until January 2028. In parallel, the European Commission is calling for LNG imports from Russia to end by January 2027 under a broader sanctions package aimed at limiting Russia’s energy revenues.
Africa’s role in this rebalancing is already gaining momentum. Algeria recently renewed its gas supply contract with ČEZ Group, ensuring continued supply to the Czech Republic. In Libya, the National Oil Corporation (NOC) has approved a new compressor for the Bahr Essalam oil field to increase production and strengthen flows through the GreenStream pipeline to Italy. These developments complement the Structures A&E offshore project led by Eni and NOC, which is expected to have two platforms in operation by 2026, producing up to 750 million cubic feet per day, supporting both domestic and European demand.
West Africa is pursuing similarly ambitious export routes. Nigeria, Algeria and Niger are reviving the Trans-Saharan Gas Pipeline (TSGP), with engineering firm Penn Spen commissioned to re-examine its feasibility earlier this year. The proposed $25 billion Nigeria-Morocco pipeline is also being advanced as a long-term corridor linking West African gas to European markets. Meanwhile, the Greater Tortu Ameim (GTA) project off the coast of Mauritania and Senegal came online early this year, with the first stage targeting 2.3 million tonnes of LNG per year. In June, the project delivered its third cargo to the Zeebrugge terminal in Belgium, marking the first African LNG shipment from the GTA to Europe. Together, these milestones emphasize strategic convergence. Just as Europe intensifies its search for reliable alternatives to Russian gas, African producers are accelerating efforts to expand exports.
However, as the Ministerial Conference will consider, unlocking Africa’s gas supplies will require sustained investment, regulatory alignment, environmental management and community engagement. Supply diversification is a strategic necessity for Europe. For African producers, it is an opportunity to accelerate development, build infrastructure and secure long-term capital.
At IAE 2026, these changes will be considered by the actors and stakeholders driving them. The Ministerial Dialogue brings together African energy leaders and European policymakers, industry players and investors to support practical, solutions-focused discussions on supply, export strategies and future cooperation. As Europe adapts its gas strategy and African producers advance major projects, the forum will provide a direct platform for ministers to outline priorities and investors to interact with key decision-makers.
IAE 2026 is a special forum aimed at connecting African energy markets with global investors and will serve as a key platform for deal-making in the lead-up to Africa Energy Week. Scheduled for April 22-23, 2026 in Paris, the event will offer participants two days of in-depth interaction with industry experts, project developers, investors and policy makers. For more information, please visit www.invest-africa-energy.com. To become a sponsor or register as a representative, please contact sales@energycapitalpower.com.
