A cluster of African liquefied natural gas (LNG) projects approved before the current wave of global energy disruptions are emerging as some of Europe’s most viable near-term supply options, as tightening markets and geopolitical pressure push buyers to reassess what is already in the pipeline.
Europe’s gas strategy is under renewed pressure. Rising geopolitical risk and tightening global LNG markets have refocused attention on African projects that were approved years ago but are only now becoming operational, with these pre-crisis developments expected to dominate discussions among buyers and investors reassessing near-term, flexible supply options.
The central advantage is readiness. In a market where new greenfield LNG supply can take five to seven years to reach production, African projects sanctioned before today’s disruptions are delivering or approaching first gas, providing Europe with volumes without waiting for the next multi-year investment cycle.
Following the dramatic disruption of Russian pipeline flows, Europe has increasingly turned to LNG to fill supply gaps, contracting cargoes from the United States, Qatar and, increasingly, African exporters. While African volumes still represent a smaller share of total European imports, their relevance is growing as utilities factor in insurance costs, geopolitical risk and supply diversification.
Projects moving toward delivery
The Greater Tortue Ahmeyim (GTA) project, operated by bp and Kosmos Energy on the Senegal-Mauritania maritime border, is moving into production just as Europe looks to expand Atlantic Basin supply, with floating LNG units allowing faster deployment and flexible cargo delivery. Its West African location shortens shipping times to Europe compared with United States Gulf exports.
The GTA project achieved first gas on December 31, 2024, with first LNG production following in February 2025. Located on the maritime border of Mauritania and Senegal, the project is one of Africa’s deepest offshore gas developments, with reserves estimated at over 15 trillion cubic feet.
Nigeria remains the continent’s LNG backbone. Nigeria LNG Train 7 will add roughly 8 million tonnes per annum to the country’s existing 22 million tonnes per annum capacity, making it one of the most significant near-term additions globally. Unlike greenfield projects, Train 7 leverages existing infrastructure, reducing both cost and development time.
Angola LNG, with a nameplate capacity of 5.2 million tonnes per annum, has historically operated below potential due to feedgas constraints. With upstream investment improving and gas supply stabilising, the project now represents quick-win capacity that can be ramped up without the long lead times of new developments.
The Republic of Congo is already exporting. The Congo LNG project, led by Eni, targets around 3 million tonnes per annum through a phased, modular approach, with first exports already underway, having moved from concept to production faster than traditional developments.
Mozambique’s Coral South floating LNG facility has shipped over 100 LNG cargoes to European markets since 2022, and its follow-on project, Coral North, backed by major international financing, is expected to nearly double Mozambique’s offshore LNG capacity in the coming years.
Ministers to converge in Paris
Energy ministers from Senegal, Equatorial Guinea, Nigeria and the Republic of Congo will convene in Paris next month at the Invest in African Energy (IAE) Forum, scheduled for April 22 to 23, 2026, where the aim is to convert growing European interest into concrete investment decisions, offtake agreements and long-term supply partnerships.
The Gas Exporting Countries Forum projects that Africa could attract up to $115 billion in gas midstream investment between 2031 and 2040, with the continent expected to account for nearly a quarter of global liquefaction investments by 2050, led by major projects in Mozambique, Nigeria, Senegal-Mauritania and Gabon.
African producers will not replace Russian or Gulf supplies overnight, but with operational LNG capacity already flowing and new projects coming online, the continent’s role in strengthening European gas security is steadily expanding.
