As Africa seeks to secure a more resilient and self-sufficient energy future, onshore gas discoveries are emerging as a cornerstone of the continent’s path to energy independence. With these developments, which have the potential to reduce dependence on expensive fuel imports and provide affordable and reliable electricity to households and industry, African countries are in a position to strengthen their domestic economies, increase the participation of local content, and promote regional energy integration. These themes will take center stage at the Africa Energy Investment (IAE) Forum in Paris next April, where stakeholders from across the value chain will come together to form partnerships and investment strategies that strengthen Africa’s energy resilience.
Unleash domestic potential
Recent exploration successes across the continent highlight the potential for onshore gas to be a driver of sustainable growth. In South Africa, Kinetico Energy reported record gas flows from its Blackfontein well. This is a milestone that strengthens the country’s ability to leverage its natural gas resources to meet growing domestic demand. ReconAfrica continues to advance exploration in the Kavango Basin off the coast of Namibia, with drilling of the Kavango West 1X well now entering the Otavi Reservoir section, which has high potential for commercial discoveries. In Zimbabwe, Invictus Energy recently secured a three-year renewal of an exclusive exploration order, extending the company’s exploration activities within the Cabora Bassa Basin. Together, these projects reflect broader efforts across the continent to tap onshore reserves to serve as the foundation for industrialization and inclusive development.
Building the economy through local content
The development of onshore gas resources also creates opportunities for local workforces and businesses to participate directly in the value chain. From drilling and logistics to processing and downstream manufacturing, local content policies ensure that domestic industries benefit from the growth of the energy sector. Furthermore, access to affordable and reliable energy enables the establishment of power-intensive industries, such as fertilizer, cement, and steel production, which are essential for economic diversification and job creation.
Strengthen local connections
Across borders, successful onshore projects are laying the foundations for a more interconnected energy environment. Cross-border pipeline infrastructure, such as the East African Crude Oil Pipeline, is creating new avenues for regional energy trade and integration. Uganda’s Tilenga project is a major onshore oil development in the Albertine Rift, similarly facilitating regional infrastructure and investment flows and setting a precedent for future energy cooperation across East Africa. By linking domestic supply to local demand, these initiatives strengthen resilience to global price shocks and strengthen Africa’s ability to shape its own energy future.
Developing local gas reserves provides a path to affordable and reliable domestic energy and supports efforts to industrialize, diversify the economy and promote inclusive growth. As exploration moves from South Africa to Namibia, Zimbabwe and beyond, Africa is taking concrete steps towards energy independence and building an independent future powered by domestic resources and regional cooperation.
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.
