A jaw-dropping £20bn mega-project to build huge gas pipeline through 16 countries in underway across Africa.
Africa is building the massive pipeline as part of the 2025 Action Plan by the National Office of Hydrocarbons and Mines (ONHYM).
Morocco is kicking off with the project as they plan to launch tenders in 2025 as part of the initial phases of the Nigeria-Morocco gas pipeline.
According to news outlet Asharq Al-Awsat, the first phase of the huge project will include Morocco, Mauritania and Senegal – and agreements for gas transport will be signed next year.
The news outlet also assessed a document which stated: “A private company will be established to manage the construction, operation, and maintenance of the project,”
The pipeline will be connected to the Morocco-Europe gas pipeline and the European gas network, meaning along with Africa, Europe will also benefit.
In a 2022 speech, Morocco’s King Mohammed VI said: “This is a project for peace, for African economic integration, and for co-development: a project for the present and for future generations,”
Morocco is set to host 1038miles (1672km) of the entire route and the entire pipeline is aimed at benefiting over 340 million people.
The project was initially agreed upon between King Mohammed VI and former President of Nigeria Muhammadu Buhari in December 2016, however, as the gas crisis becomes more severe in Europe, the pipeline could prove to be more necessary than ever.
The crisis stems from the Russia-Ukraine war, which has severely impacted the European gas markets. Moscow’s invasion of Ukraine has led to the European Union seeking other gas suppliers.
Despite Nigeria being home to some of the world’s largest gas reserves, the country has struggled to attract investment into the sector. However, as plans for the world’s second-longest pipeline continue, things are expected to change.
The pipeline will deliver gas from Nigeria to Europe whilst supplying countries along the way. It will also represent a reliable source of employment and hopefully attract investments to the region.
