Africa’s 620 trillion cubic feet of proven natural gas resources have enhanced the continent’s ability to promote economic growth, diversify revenue production, and lead the global energy security transition to a cleaner energy future. Algeria, Nigeria, Equatorial Guinea, Angola, and Mozambique are among the countries that are aggressively constructing large-scale gas projects while putting in place the necessary policy frameworks and infrastructure to enable long-term growth. As major gas producers increase their appeal to foreign investment and new discoveries in undeveloped markets are made, global gas organizations such as the Gas Exporting Countries Forum (GECF) provide the guidance and assistance that markets require to prosper.
In this regard, this year’s African Energy Week (AEW) conference, which will be held from the 16th to the 20th of October at the Cape Town International Conference Center in Cape Town, serves as a platform for African producers, global partners, and key industry organizations such as the GECF to engage, strengthening collaboration at a time when Africa’s gas industry is just getting started. Mohamed Hamel, the GECF Secretary General, will be in charge of the gas debate, which the African Energy Chamber (AEC) is happy to announce. His participation in keynote speeches and high-level panel discussions will increase his knowledge of Africa’s gas industry.
Hamel will participate in private networking sessions with African energy policymakers, project developers, operators, global investors, and partners during the event. These encounters aim to encourage the sharing of ideas, foster collaborative initiatives, and propel the African gas industry forward. With the intention of promoting supply stability in the global energy grid, GECF vigorously promotes the development of gas for a sustainable energy future, a subject that Hamel will lead this October.
With a membership that comprises 19 prominent gas-producing nations, including Algeria, Egypt, Equatorial Guinea, Libya, and Nigeria (permanent members), as well as Angola and Mozambique as observers, the GECF has played a pivotal role in facilitating the exchange of ideas, supporting policy development and structuring, and spearheading collaborations across the global gas market. GECF and its member countries represent up to 72% of the world’s proven natural gas reserves, a substantial 44% of its marketed production, over 56% of the global pipeline infrastructure and 52% of liquefied natural gas (LNG) exports.
In Africa, GECF promotes dialogue and cooperation on best practices for managing gas resources, optimizing production and monetization, and boosting local content development between African producers and their global counterparts. The association provides market reports, recommendations and guidelines, as well as policy coordination, technical assistance and capacity building programs which have long-shaped the stability of the African market. As a result, African gas is taking on a more prominent role in the global energy market, a role which continues to grow as international markets look to diversify supply chains.
On the continent itself, Africa’s gas resources are considered to be a strategic fuel, enabling countries to industrialize while facilitating a just energy transition. Many large-scale projects are underway, including the Greater Tortue Ahmeyim project in Senegal/Mauritania; the Mozambique LNG development; Nigeria’s Gas Flare Commercialization Initiative; the Angola LNG project; and many more. This collective effort seeks to amplify electricity generation, steer the course toward a low-carbon energy model, fortify global trade via resource utilization, and empower industrial applications. In this regard, the GECF has clearly established itself as a reliable and invaluable ally for the African market.
“Africa’s natural gas resources are the key to providing reliable electricity to the over 600 million people currently without it, while creating long-term employment opportunities and driving the sustainable development of economies. The GECF has positioned itself as a reliable partner for the continent by fostering regional cooperation on infrastructure rollout, technology and skills development, investment attraction, and resource monetization,” stated NJ Ayuk, the Executive Chairman of the AEC.
Hamel’s engagement at AEW 2023 assumes paramount significance. His involvement will be instrumental in spotlighting the pivotal contribution of African resources in driving a just energy transition, alongside socioeconomic advancements tailored to the African context. The Secretary General will provide insights around the GCEF’s commitment to fostering the growth of the continent’s energy sector.
AEW is the AEC’s annual energy event that unites African governments and policymakers with global investors and project developers. Taking place in Cape Town, the event represents the biggest gathering of energy stakeholders on the continent, and convenes under a mandate to make energy poverty history by 2030. For more information about speaker, sponsorship, and partnership opportunities, visit www.AECWeek.com.
