Nigeria Liquefied Natural Gas Limited says Africa’s LNG production could increase from about 70 million tonnes per annum today to 120 MTPA by 2035, driven by projects holding at least 45 MTPA of new potential supply.

Delivering a keynote address titled “The Role of African LNG in a Dynamic Export Market” at the Africa Energy Week 2025 in South Africa, NLNG’s Deputy Managing Director, Olakunle Osobu, said the continent is not a bystander in global discussions on energy security, affordability, and sustainability.

Osobu described Africa as a rising pillar of global energy supply, stressing that Nigeria must play a leading role.

He urged African countries to move beyond being raw material exporters and position themselves as major players in the global LNG value chain.

He noted that with over 850 trillion cubic feet of natural gas, representing about 6 percent of global reserves—Africa has both the resources and ambition to double its share of the global LNG market within the next decade.

Osobu reaffirmed Nigeria’s leadership in Africa’s LNG industry, highlighting the ongoing Train 7 expansion project, which will increase NLNG’s production capacity from 22 MTPA to 30 MTPA—as clear evidence of the country’s sustained commitment to driving growth in the sector, according to a statement by Sophia Horsfall, NLNG’s General Manager for External Relations and Sustainable Development.

“Our investment in expansion shows that Nigeria is driving LNG growth not only for exports but also for domestic industries and energy access. We must prove that Africa can deliver LNG that is secure, competitive, and sustainable,” he added.

Osobu observed that new LNG projects emerging across the continent collectively hold over 45 MTPA of potential supply.

He added that with these developments, Africa’s total LNG output could grow from about 70 MTPA currently to 120 MTPA by 2035, strengthening the continent’s position as a key global LNG hub.

While acknowledging Africa’s strategic advantage, particularly its shorter shipping routes to both Europe and Asia, Osobu cautioned that competitiveness, access to financing, and domestic responsibility remain the continent’s major challenges.

He noted that the United States and Qatar are rapidly expanding their LNG capacities, even as global financiers increasingly prioritise low-carbon and decarbonised LNG projects.

Osobu emphasised that Africa’s LNG development must maintain a delicate balance: ensuring reliable global supply, driving industrialisation across the continent, and demonstrating sustainability in line with global decarbonisation goals.