Africa, global leader in natural gas demand growth by 2050, according to GECF

Africa will experience the fastest growth in natural gas demand by 2050, driven by urbanisation and the need to address the energy deficit, according to the Gas Exporting Countries Forum (GECF) in its report of March 10, 2025.

Share:

Comprehensive energy news coverage, updated nonstop

8.25€/month*

*billed annually at 99€/year for the first year then 149,00€/year ​

Unlimited access • Archives included • Professional invoice

OTHER ACCESS OPTIONS

7-Day Pass

Up to 50 articles accessible for 7 days, with no automatic renewal

3 €/week*

FREE ACCOUNT

3 articles/month

FREE

*Prices are excluding VAT, which may vary depending on your location or professional status

Since 2021: 30,000 articles • 150+ analyses per week

Natural gas demand in Africa is expected to grow by an average of 3% per year by 2050, according to the “Global Gas Outlook Report 2050” published by the Gas Exporting Countries Forum (GECF) on March 10, 2025. This growth represents the fastest rate observed globally. The volume of gas consumed on the continent will rise from 170 billion cubic metres (m³) in 2023 to 385 billion m³ by 2050, thereby increasing the share of natural gas in Africa’s energy mix from 16% to 21%.

The report highlights that this growth is driven by several factors: rapid population growth, accelerated urbanisation, and the urgent need for electrification. Nearly 600 million people in Africa lack access to electricity, and over a billion people still use biomass cooking systems, making the increase in natural gas production and consumption crucial. Electricity production is expected to account for 66% of the additional demand for natural gas on the continent, rising from 934 terawatt hours (TWh) in 2023 to 2630 TWh in 2050, representing an average annual growth of 3.8%.

Growth of electricity production

The electricity production sector in Africa will be the main driver of the increased demand for natural gas. The need for electricity, essential for the growing urbanisation and industrialisation, will increase significantly. Natural gas, being one of the least polluting options for electricity production, is expected to play a key role in the continent’s energy transition. By 2050, Africa will see its electricity consumption triple, with a significant contribution from natural gas in new energy investments.

Industrial and residential demand

Natural gas will also need to meet the rising demand from heavy industries such as petrochemicals and methanol production, which are expected to see significant growth. At the same time, the residential and commercial sectors, particularly in Sub-Saharan Africa, will see increased adoption of gas to replace traditional biomass cooking systems. This dynamic aligns with the growing prioritisation of access to modern energy by governments and businesses.

Expansion of natural gas production in Africa

Natural gas production in Africa is expected to increase by an average of 2.5% per year by 2050, one of the highest growth rates globally. Continental production will rise from 252 billion m³ in 2023 to 502 billion m³ by 2050. This increase will be supported by countries such as Nigeria and Mozambique, which have substantial reserves and expanding production capacities. Nigeria, with its vast reserves of associated gas and recent reforms in its oil sector, could reach a production of 127 billion m³ by 2050.

Mozambique and the emergence of new producers

Mozambique, with its liquefied natural gas (LNG) projects such as Coral South FLNG and Rovuma LNG, is also well positioned to play a major role in increasing production in Africa. The country could produce more than 95 billion m³ by 2050. Furthermore, countries recently joining the ranks of gas producers, such as Mauritania and Senegal, are expected to reach respective productions of 26 billion m³ and 20 billion m³ by the same date, thanks to recent discoveries.

Global natural gas demand

Globally, natural gas demand is expected to increase by 32% by 2050, reaching 5317 billion m³. This increased demand will be largely driven by regions in Africa, Asia-Pacific, the Middle East, and Latin America. In contrast, consumption is expected to decline in Europe (-1.4% per year) and North America (-0.2% per year), highlighting the relatively faster growth of demand in emerging markets, particularly in Africa.

Tailwater Capital secures $600mn in debt and $500mn in equity to recapitalise Producers Midstream II and support infrastructure development in the southern United States.
An economic study reveals that Germany’s gas storage levels could prevent up to €25 billion in economic losses during a winter supply shock.
New Fortress Energy has initiated the initial ignition of its 624 MW CELBA 2 power plant in Brazil, starting the commissioning phase ahead of commercial operations expected later this year.
Talen Energy launches $1.2bn debt financing and expands credit facilities to support strategic acquisitions of two combined-cycle natural gas power plants.
The Ukrainian government is preparing to raise natural gas imports by 30% to offset damage to its energy infrastructure and ensure supply continuity during the winter season.
Driven by rising electricity demand and grid flexibility needs, natural gas power generation is expected to grow at an annual rate of 4.8% through 2030.
Talen Energy secures $1.2bn term financing and increases two credit facilities to support the acquisition of two natural gas power plants with a combined capacity of 2,881 MW.
Tenaz Energy finalised the purchase of stakes in the GEMS project between Dutch and German waters, aiming to boost production to 7,000 boe/d by 2026.
Sembcorp Salalah Power & Water Company has obtained a new 10-year Power and Water Purchase Agreement from Nama Power and Water Procurement Company, ensuring operational continuity until 2037.
Eni North Africa restarts drilling operations on well C1-16/4 off the Libyan coast, suspended since 2020, aiming to complete exploration near the Bahr Es Salam gas field.
GOIL is investing $50mn to expand its LPG storage capacity in response to sustained demand growth and to improve national supply security.
QatarEnergy continues its international expansion by acquiring 27% of the offshore North Cleopatra block from Shell, amid Egypt’s strategic push to revive gas exploration in the Eastern Mediterranean.
An analysis by Wood Mackenzie shows that expanding UK oil and gas production would reduce costs and emissions while remaining within international climate targets.
Polish authorities have 40 days to decide on the extradition of a Ukrainian accused of participating in the 2022 sabotage of the Nord Stream pipelines in the Baltic Sea.
The Japanese company has completed the first phase of a tender for five annual cargoes of liquefied natural gas over seven years starting in April 2027, amid a gradual contractual renewal process.
Baker Hughes has secured a contract from Bechtel to provide gas turbines and compressors for the second phase of Sempra Infrastructure’s LNG export project in Texas.
Targa Resources will build a 500,000 barrels-per-day pipeline in the Permian Basin to connect its assets to Mont Belvieu, strengthening its logistics network with commissioning scheduled for the third quarter of 2027.
Brazilian holding J&F Investimentos is in talks to acquire EDF’s Norte Fluminense thermal plant, valued up to BRL2bn ($374 million), as energy-related M&A activity surges across the country.
Chevron has appointed Bank of America to manage the sale of pipeline infrastructure in the Denver-Julesburg basin, targeting a valuation of over $2 billion, according to sources familiar with the matter.
Hungary has signed a ten-year agreement with Engie for the annual import of 400 mn m³ of liquefied natural gas starting in 2028, reinforcing its energy diversification strategy despite its ongoing reliance on Russian gas.

All the latest energy news, all the time

8.25€/month*

*billed annually at 99€/year for the first year then 149,00€/year ​

Unlimited access - Archives included - Pro invoice

7 DAY PASS

Up to 50 items can be consulted for 7 days,
without automatic renewal

3€/week*

*Prices shown are exclusive of VAT, which may vary according to your location or professional status.

Since 2021: 30,000 articles - +150 analyses/week.