Africa’s 2025 natural gas milestone marks a decisive turning point for the continent, laying the foundations for a stronger and more competitive energy landscape in 2026 and beyond. New production capacity, regulatory changes, a resurgence in development and accelerated exploration have collectively created a wave of momentum that places natural gas at the center of Africa’s next growth cycle. As 2026 approaches, Africa is entering a new phase in which the natural gas sector will increase production, strengthen exports and drive widespread development across the continent.
Congo LNG begins second stage of operations
The Republic of Congo will begin operations of the second phase of the Congo LNG Project in December 2025, with operator Eni announcing the arrival of the Nguya FLNG carrier and subsequent gas introduction to the unit. The facility has a production capacity of 2.4 million tonnes per annum (MTPA), increasing the project’s production to 3 MTPA, further strengthening the country’s position as an LNG producer. The first LNG shipment is scheduled for early 2026. The project was developed six months ahead of schedule and 35 months after construction began on the Nguya facility.
Angola launches first non-associated gas project
Angola commissioned the Soyogas processing plant in November 2025, marking the start of the country’s first non-associated gas project, the New Gas Consortium (NGC) development. The project, led by Azul Energy as operator of NGC, will produce 400 million standard cubic feet of gas and 20,000 barrels of condensate per day from the Kilma and Maboqueiro offshore fields, providing feedstock for the Angola LNG facility. The project cost $4 billion to build and was completed within 24 months of the groundbreaking ceremony. This milestone follows the announcement of Angola’s first gas discovery in Block 1/14 earlier this year, highlighting the country’s gas-driven growth potential.
TotalEnergies lifts force majeure on Mozambique LNG
TotalEnergies and its partners in the Mozambique LNG project lifted force majeure in October 2025 following an improvement in the security situation. The $20 billion development includes the development of the Golfinho and Atum fields in Area 1 of the Rovuma Basin and the construction of two liquefaction trains with a combined capacity of 13.1 MTPA. Because of the four-year delay, the project partners requested an upward revision of the project cost by $4.5 billion and a 10-year license extension.
Mozambique’s Coral Norte achieves FID
The Coral Norte FLNG project in Mozambique reached a final investment decision in October 2025. The facility, led by Eni, will leverage the resources of the northern section of Area 4 of the Rovuma Basin and complement the operational Coral Sulu vessel, with production starting in 2022. With an investment of $7.2 billion, Coral Norte will produce 3.6 million tons and is scheduled to start operations in 2028. Norte will double Mozambique’s liquefaction capacity to 7 MTPA, making Mozambique the third largest LNG producer in Africa.
South Africa moves to lift moratorium on shale gas
South Africa has announced plans to lift a long-standing moratorium on shale gas development following the announcement of updated environmental regulations in late October 2025. This decision marks a step towards unlocking the estimated 200 trillion cubic feet of shale resources in the Karoo Basin, providing a viable alternative to imports. The decision follows the publication of South Africa’s 2025 Integrated Resource Plan, which envisages 16GW of gas power generation capacity.
GTA LNG begins its first gasification and commercial operation
Senegal/Mauritania’s Greater Tortu Armaiim (GTA) LNG development acquired its first gas in January 2025, followed by its first LNG cargo in April 2025. The Gimi FLNG vessel will reach its commercial operation date in June 2025, marking the rise of the MSGBC Basin as a global LNG producer. With a first stage production capacity of 2.4 million tonnes per year, GTA is the region’s first large-scale offshore gas project. The planned second phase will double production to 5 MTPA. The project is being developed by Cosmos Energy as operator in collaboration with BP, Petrosen and SMH.
