Nigeria and Morocco Plan $25 Billion Transcontinental Gas Pipeline

Nigeria and Morocco are preparing to sign an intergovernmental agreement for a transcontinental gas pipeline project valued at $25 billion. The agreement is scheduled for this year, according to the head of Morocco’s hydrocarbons and mining agency. The project aims to facilitate gas transport across multiple African countries.

The pipeline, named the African Atlantic Gas Pipeline, will cover 6,900 kilometers, or about 4,200 miles. It will follow a hybrid route combining offshore and onshore segments. This design allows for efficient traversal of varied terrains and coastal areas.

The pipeline's maximum capacity is 30 billion cubic meters of gas annually. It will supply gas to Morocco and enable exports to Europe.

Project Phases and Timeline Initial phases of the project will link Morocco to gas fields in Mauritania and Senegal.

Gas from these connections is expected to begin flowing in 2031. These early segments will establish the foundation for broader regional integration. Subsequent stages will extend the pipeline to connect Ghana to Côte d’Ivoire.

The final segment will link Ghana to Nigeria’s gas fields. This phased approach allows for incremental development and testing of infrastructure. Funding details for the project have not yet been finalized.

The agreement's signing this year marks a key step toward securing investment and partnerships. International interest in African energy infrastructure could influence funding sources.

It connects gas-rich nations like Nigeria, which holds significant reserves, to markets in Morocco and beyond. Europe's reliance on diverse gas supplies provides a potential export outlet amid global energy transitions. Stakeholders include governments of the involved countries and possibly international investors.

The project's scale requires coordination on environmental, regulatory, and technical standards. Completion could enhance energy security for participating nations and reduce import dependencies. Affected parties include local communities along the route, who may experience construction impacts, and industries in gas production and export.

Next steps involve finalizing the agreement, securing funding, and initiating feasibility studies for each phase. Delays in funding or geopolitical factors could affect the 2031 timeline for initial gas supply.