Progress on the Atlantic Africa Gas Pipeline
Morocco and Nigeria are making significant strides towards finalizing an intergovernmental agreement that will propel the Atlantic Africa gas pipeline project forward, a monumental energy initiative that stretches approximately 6,900 kilometers. This ambitious endeavor, jointly led by the governments of Rabat and Abuja, marks a notable milestone after nearly ten years of meticulous preparation. Amina Benkhadra, the Director General of Morocco’s National Office of Hydrocarbons and Mines (ONHYM), has indicated to Reuters that an official agreement is anticipated to be inked within the upcoming year.
With an estimated budget of around $25 billion (approximately €23 billion), this infrastructure project aims to connect Nigeria to Morocco through a series of West African nations, utilizing both offshore and onshore segments to facilitate the journey. Following the completion of detailed technical studies, Benkhadra emphasized that the execution of the project will occur in stages. She remarked, “The project does not rely on a single final investment decision,” further explaining that “each segment is designed as a standalone system, allowing for early value generation.” This strategic phased approach is designed to expedite the rollout of initial segments while simultaneously managing the financial risks that accompany such a large-scale project.
Institutional Framework and Energy Capacity
The initiative also entails the establishment of a robust institutional framework. The forthcoming agreement will pave the way for the creation of a high-level pipeline authority based in Nigeria, which will encompass ministerial representatives from the 13 countries involved in the project. In addition, a project company will be formed in Morocco as a joint venture between ONHYM and the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC), tasked with overseeing the execution, financing, and construction phases of the pipeline.
From an energy perspective, the pipeline is projected to achieve a maximum capacity of 30 billion cubic meters annually, with around 15 billion cubic meters allocated for Morocco and for exports to Europe. The route will be developed incrementally, linking various regional hubs, including Morocco, Mauritania, and Senegal, as well as a Ghana–Côte d’Ivoire axis before making its way to the gas fields in Nigeria. Initial gas deliveries are expected to commence by 2031.
This project is a crucial component of a broader strategy aimed at enhancing continental energy integration, promising substantial benefits in terms of electricity generation, industrialization, and mining development throughout West Africa. By leveraging its strategic geographic position and existing infrastructure, Morocco aspires to establish itself as a pivotal energy corridor that connects African resources to European markets.
As reported by apanews.net.
