CAPE TOWN, South Africa, October 1, 2025 – The opening fireside chat of the African Energy Week (AEW): Invest in African Energies 2025 conference set the tone for the event by underscoring the importance of an Africa-first approach to natural gas development.
With gas monetization projects on the rise across West Africa, regional leaders emphasized the significant opportunity gas presents in addressing Africa’s long-standing energy challenges.
The session, sponsored by Kosmos Energy, brought together ministers from Senegal and Ghana alongside industry players to discuss the domestic benefits of gas projects. Executives highlighted how new developments stand to deliver sustainable growth across the continent.
Senegal’s Push for Energy Access
Senegal’s Minister of Energy, Petroleum and Mines, Birame Soulèye Diop, reaffirmed the country’s commitment to expanding energy access. Senegal recently became a global oil and gas producer following the commissioning of the Sangomar oil and gas field and the Greater Tortue Ahmeyim (GTA) project.
The GTA development, a joint initiative led by BP and Kosmos Energy, launched its first phase with a capacity of 2.3 million tons per annum (mtpa), with a second phase expected to raise output to 5 mtpa. While designed primarily for export, partners are actively exploring domestic supply options.
“In Senegal, we have a goal to reach universal access to energy by 2029. Today, we are a country that exports oil and gas. But the cost to access fuel is still high. We would like to produce more for the country so that we can access resources for electricity. With gas, there are a lot of opportunities,” Minister Diop said.
He added that Senegal plans to convert operational oil refineries to process gas, aiming to reduce fuel costs and broaden nationwide access.
Kosmos Energy’s Domestic Gas Commitment
Kosmos Energy has pivoted toward supporting domestic supply in addition to exports. Its Yakaar-Teranga project, targeting a final investment decision in 2025, will provide gas to power generation facilities across Senegal.
“Fundamental to the development of Senegal is the use of gas for domestic purposes. That is our next agenda: to work with the ministry to expand the scheme to deliver domestic gas,” said Andrew Inglis, CEO of Kosmos Energy.
Ghana’s Gas-to-Power Success
Ghana’s Energy & Green Transition Minister, John Abdulai Jinapor, showcased his country’s achievements in gas monetization, positioning Ghana as a model for Africa.
“Gas is an essential commodity. We have a gas-to-power policy, with gas accounting for 90% of our fuel in Ghana. What we have achieved so far can serve as a model for other economies so that Africa can achieve energy security through gas,” Jinapor stated.
Partnership and Policy Alignment
Kosmos Energy’s Andrew Inglis stressed the importance of public-private partnerships and policy alignment in ensuring successful project delivery.
“An aligned national agenda is the bed-rock of investment. If you are aligned on intent, then delivery is a lot easier. With both Senegal and Ghana, there is clarity in terms of what the countries need and Kosmos Energy is ready to support that,” Inglis said.
With strong national policies, growing partnerships, and an Africa-first focus, West Africa is positioning gas not only as a global export commodity but also as a driver of affordable domestic energy and sustainable growth.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Energy Chamber.
SOURCE: African Energy Chamber
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