Nigeria and Morocco have accelerated plans to sign a landmark agreement on the $25 billion African Atlantic Gas Pipeline in 2026, signaling a major shift in Africa’s energy landscape and strengthening regional economic integration.
Amina Benkhadra, Director General of the Moroccan National Office of Hydrocarbons and Mines, confirmed that both countries are finalizing an intergovernmental agreement that will unlock the next phase of the ambitious pipeline project. The agreement is expected to formalize cooperation and establish a regulatory framework that will drive execution across participating nations.
Once the agreement is signed, authorities will set up a dedicated pipeline governance body in Nigeria. This body will include ministerial representatives from 13 countries to ensure political alignment and regulatory coordination. As a result, stakeholders expect smoother implementation across borders.
The Nigeria–Morocco gas pipeline, widely known as the African Atlantic Gas Pipeline, spans approximately 6,900 kilometers. It combines offshore and onshore infrastructure, positioning it as one of the largest energy projects globally. In addition, the pipeline will deliver up to 30 billion cubic meters of gas annually, with a portion allocated to Morocco while supporting exports to Europe.
Importantly, the project already enjoys strong backing from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS). Feasibility studies and front-end engineering design phases have also been completed, pushing the initiative closer to construction.
To fast-track execution, Morocco’s ONHYM and the Nigerian National Petroleum Company will establish a joint venture company based in Morocco. This entity will oversee financing, construction, and operational delivery. Furthermore, the project will rely on a mix of equity and debt financing, reflecting growing investor confidence despite pending final funding commitments.
The pipeline is expected to unlock multiple economic benefits across West Africa. It will expand electricity generation capacity, boost industrial growth, and accelerate mining development. At the same time, Morocco aims to strengthen its role as a strategic energy hub linking Africa to European markets.
Early pipeline segments will connect Morocco to gas reserves in Mauritania and Senegal. Meanwhile, southern links will integrate Ghana and Côte d’Ivoire, before extending to Nigeria’s vast gas fields. According to projections, the first gas deliveries from initial phases could begin by 2031.
Benkhadra emphasized that the project will progress in phases rather than relying on a single final investment decision. Each segment will operate as a standalone system, allowing early returns and reducing financial risk. Consequently, this phased approach has attracted significant global interest due to its scale and strategic positioning.
This development builds on earlier milestones achieved in October 2022, when Nigeria, Morocco, Senegal, and Mauritania signed memoranda of understanding to advance the project. Since then, momentum has continued to grow as regional partners align on long-term energy goals.
Meanwhile, Nigeria is also advancing talks on the Trans-Sahara Gas Pipeline, a separate $20 billion project designed to transport gas through Niger and Algeria to Europe. Together, these initiatives highlight Africa’s rising importance in global energy supply chains.
As Africa intensifies efforts to harness its vast natural gas resources, the Nigeria–Morocco pipeline stands out as a transformative project. It not only strengthens regional cooperation but also positions the continent as a key energy supplier to global markets.
