The Africa Atlantic Gas Pipeline Project is entering a critical investment phase. This announcement was made by Amina Benkhadra, Director General of the National Office of Hydrocarbons and Mines (ONHYM), during the Powering Africa Summit, an event held last week in Washington.
Presented to American investors, the project has reached significant milestones, with the first sections scheduled for gradual commissioning starting in 2029. In this context, Amina Benkhadra emphasized the importance of strategic partnerships.
Advanced discussions are currently underway with major international players, including American operators and financial institutions, with the goal of ensuring the project’s economic and technical viability. Speaking before an audience of diplomats, energy sector experts, private sector representatives, and financial stakeholders, the ONHYM Director General underscored the importance of this infrastructure for West Africa’s energy security, Europe, and the broader Atlantic region.
This large-scale project originates from the vision of His Majesty King Mohammed VI and the President of Nigeria. “Rooted in a framework of regional cooperation and sustainable development, this initiative aims to address Africa’s energy challenges while strengthening economic ties among the countries it traverses,” said Amina Benkhadra.
Beyond its energy objectives, the project stands out for its scope and major socio-economic impact. Spanning over 6,000 kilometers, the pipeline is expected to serve nearly 400 million people, thereby contributing to the electrification of the continent, where access to energy remains below 40% in some countries.
In addition to supplying energy, this infrastructure will act as a catalyst for industrial development, facilitating the emergence of new production hubs and stimulating local economies. Benkhadra specifically highlighted the synergies between the Africa Atlantic Gas Pipeline and the critical minerals sector, a key area that will directly benefit from improved energy access, enabling more efficient extraction and processing of natural resources. This strategic briefing, organized by the American think tank Atlantic Council, generated strong interest among participants, illustrating the central role of the Africa Atlantic Gas Pipeline in Africa’s energy future and its structuring impact on global energy cooperation.
Economic, Social, and Geopolitical Dimensions
The Africa Atlantic Gas Pipeline Project is a catalyst for growth and stability across Africa. It involves 13 coastal countries, along with three additional non-Atlantic nations. However, the project goes beyond energy infrastructure—it is a structural initiative with economic, social, and geopolitical implications. With electrification rates below 40% in many of these countries, the pipeline addresses an urgent need for energy access.
Major Stakes at Play
Energy security is at the forefront of the U.S. agenda, making it one of the key topics at Powering Africa Summit. The Moroccan Ambassador to Washington, Youssef Amrani, opened discussions by placing the gas pipeline within its broader geopolitical context.This mega-project is fully aligned with the strategic vision led by His Majesty the King, forming a key pillar of the Royal Atlantic Initiative. The stakes are high. The pipeline is set to enhance Africa’s economic integration and improve its energy connectivity with the rest of the world, all while creating corridors for inclusive growth and sustainable development. Emphasizing the urgency of accelerating international collaborations, the ambassador stressed the importance of mobilizing financial resources and supporting the project’s next phases while leveraging the strong interest shown by international partners. Through this initiative, “Morocco reaffirms its commitment to a more connected, more integrated, and more energy-sovereign Africa,” said the Moroccan Ambassador to Washington.
Fatim-Zahra TOHRY
