Experts confirm natural gas in Africa remains vital for economic growth and clean energy, calling for \$100bn annual investment in modern energy infrastructure

Natural gas in Africa is increasingly being recognised as the continent’s most strategic fuel for bridging energy access and industrialisation.

Also read: Abuja investment summit in London leaves investors impressed

This was reaffirmed by experts at Sahara Group’s Asharami Square forum held recently in Lagos.

According to the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas), Mr Ekperikpe Ekpo, speaking through his adviser Mr Abel Nsa, Africa holds over 7% of global gas reserves but consumes less than 5% of output.

“This mismatch between potential and utilisation must be addressed with urgency and purpose,” he stated.

Ekpo called for urgent investment in infrastructure, emphasising the need for bold financing frameworks that attract private capital.

“Natural gas is not merely a transitional fuel. It is a transformational fuel,” he said. He highlighted its role in reducing pollution, powering homes, and enabling economic inclusivity.

Dr Justice Derefaka of NUIMS, represented by Mr Frank Mmamelu, added that natural gas in Africa can reduce poverty by supporting agriculture, improving clean energy access, and addressing gender disparities.

He stressed the importance of building local capacity and refining resources within the continent.

Ejiro Gray of Sahara Group noted that sustainability in Africa must be contextualised. “The global net-zero agenda cannot overlook Africa’s needs around access and inclusion,” she said, referencing Sahara’s infrastructure projects across Nigeria and five other African nations.

Communications expert Dr Adeola Yusuf called for better access to data, urging media inclusion in sustainability dialogues. “We need a seat at the table to promote fact-based reporting and stamp out greenwashing,” he noted.

Bethel Obioma of Sahara Group presented Asharami Awards to media outlets committed to sustainability reporting, asserting that accurate storytelling is key to changing Africa’s energy narrative.

Also read: Nigeria pitches $25 billion undersea gas pipeline to Europe, seeks global investment

Speakers from across the energy value chain stressed that real transformation depends on coordinated policy, inclusive investment, and regional cooperation—driven by the undeniable power of natural gas in Africa.