The United Arab Emirates has signed on as a major investor in the $25 billion Nigeria-Morocco gas pipeline, a transcontinental energy project to transform power supply, trade, and economic development across West Africa and beyond.
Morocco’s Minister of Energy Transition, Leila Benali, announced the UAE’s involvement during a parliamentary session on Tuesday, confirming the project now has the backing of key international institutions including the Islamic Development Bank, the OPEC Fund, the European Investment Bank, and the UAE.
The African-Atlantic Gas Pipeline, as the project is formally known, will span approximately 6,800 kilometres—5,100 of them offshore—making it the world’s longest offshore gas pipeline upon completion. It is being developed as a joint venture between Nigeria and Morocco.
“This pipeline is not just about gas,” a Moroccan energy analyst told local media. “It’s about building stronger economies and improving the lives of millions.”
The massive infrastructure will run through 15 West African countries, eventually supplying gas to Europe and providing a much-needed energy boost to over 400 million people along its route.
The project will be executed in three phases: the first will connect Morocco to Senegal and Mauritania; the second will extend the network from Nigeria to Ghana; and the final phase will link Ghana to Ivory Coast and Senegal.
All technical studies and designs have been completed, according to Benali, paving the way for construction to begin. China’s Jingye Steel Group has been contracted to supply the necessary pipes for the build.
Beyond its energy objectives, the pipeline is expected to attract new investments, facilitate regional cooperation, and support the shift towards clean energy in North and West Africa. Morocco in particular aims to leverage the infrastructure to accelerate its ambitions in green hydrogen and renewable power.
With the UAE now on board, the Nigeria-Morocco pipeline is rapidly gaining momentum as one of Africa’s most ambitious and transformative energy projects.
