Morocco Presents Nigerian Gas Pipeline Project to American Investors
The French magazine “Jeune Afrique” has revealed that the National Office of Hydrocarbons and Mines of Morocco sent a high-ranking official to Texas to showcase the “African Atlantic Gas Pipeline” project to American investors in an effort to expedite its financing.
The large-scale project, spanning 6,900 kilometers, aims to transport Nigerian natural gas through 11 West African countries to Morocco and eventually to Europe. The total estimated cost of the project exceeds $26 billion, with the first segment linking Nigeria to Côte d’Ivoire costing $7 billion, the second segment from Côte d’Ivoire to Senegal costing $8 billion, and the final segment from Senegal to Morocco estimated at $11 billion.
Jeune Afrique quoted Noufal Darrari, Director of Financial Projects at the National Office of Hydrocarbons and Mines, stating during the U.S.-Africa Energy Forum in Houston that gas is considered “the backbone of the energy transition towards green energy.” Darrari added that the project will help exploit underutilized natural resources in Africa and enhance social integration through substantial job creation.
The magazine emphasized that the project received special attention at the forum, being the only one presented with a specific proposal to American officials. Forum organizer James Chester confirmed that “the United States is viewing African issues from a new perspective” and that the project offers American investors an opportunity to support energy security and growth in 13 African countries.
The same source mentioned that the project, officially launched in December 2016, remains a priority for Morocco, despite being a joint initiative with the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation, a fact underscored by the Moroccan official’s visit to Houston.
Jeune Afrique affirmed that the project is making significant progress, noting the signing of an international government agreement with the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) along with 11 memoranda of understanding. Darrari disclosed that the United Arab Emirates has recently joined the list of project funders alongside the Islamic Development Bank, OPEC Fund, and the European Investment Bank.
The Moroccan official stated that the project team is “weeks away” from launching tenders for the initial phases, clarifying that any excess gas, after meeting the needs of African countries, could be exported to Europe. The source indicated that the pipeline may be utilized in the future for transporting green hydrogen.
