Johannesburg, South Africa: The African Energy Chamber (AEC) and Gazprom, a global energy giant based in Russia, recently hosted an international roundtable on natural gas in Johannesburg. The event brought together various speakers who emphasized that natural gas is not just a transitionary resource but rather the fuel that holds the key to Africa’s future. High-level representatives from Mozambique, South Africa, and Nigeria delivered presentations, making a compelling case for increased investment in the gas sector and strengthened cooperation between Africa and Russia.
South Africa, despite being a relatively new player in the gas market, witnessed two significant offshore basin discoveries in 2019 that underscored the country’s immense gas potential. To expedite resource development and achieve national growth objectives, the South African government is working on implementing a Gas Masterplan.
Craig Morkel, Chairman of the South Africa Oil and Gas Association, highlighted the focus on policy and planning, stating, “The Masterplan exercise has started, and the Department of Mineral Resources and Energy sees this integrated into the broader Integrated Resource Plan.” Morkel further expressed interest in Gazprom’s participation in South Africa and welcomed their insights to make the country more attractive for investment.
Across the continent, several countries have embarked on ambitious natural gas projects aimed at monetizing resources, enhancing energy security, fostering industrialization, and driving long-term socioeconomic growth. Mozambique, in particular, is leading several large-scale liquefied natural gas (LNG) developments. Michel Ussene, Executive Chairman of Mitra Energy, highlighted Mozambique’s recent achievement of exporting its first LNG cargo, marking a significant milestone for the country.
Ussene emphasized the need to think creatively about utilizing the gas resources located in the far north of Mozambique. He commended Gazprom’s approach, stating, “There is no better example than Gazprom, as they are bringing gas into their economy. The most interesting thing we have heard today is that most of the gas is used in the country and not exported. This is a gamechanger to know that Gazprom is selling more in-country than outside.”
In West Africa, Nigeria has launched its own ambitious gas agenda under the ‘Decade of Gas’ initiative, aimed at driving investment and development across the entire gas value chain. Dahiru Moyi, Advisor to the Minister of Federal Ministry of Finance, Budget, and National Planning, highlighted the importance of new approaches due to limited funding in Africa. Moyi also emphasized the favorable investment environment in Nigeria following the implementation of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) in 2021, which has provided clarity and opened doors for Gazprom’s operations.
Gazprom, renowned for its expertise, financing capabilities, and technology, offers African countries the necessary support to realize large-scale gas projects. With a long history of strategic partnerships across various sectors, the focus on bilateral energy relations is set to unlock new investment and development opportunities in Africa’s gas sector.
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