CAPE TOWN, South Africa, October 2, 2025 – Central Africa gas expansion entered a new phase at the African Energy Week (AEW) 2025: Invest in African Energies conference, with Equatorial Guinea and the Republic of Congo announcing ambitious projects to secure energy supply, attract investors, and drive long-term regional growth.
Equatorial Guinea confirmed the signing of multi-billion-dollar agreements designed to sustain its flagship Gas Mega Hub for decades to come.
Antonio Oburu Ondo, Minister of Hydrocarbons, emphasized the government’s commitment to ensuring the Punta Europa Gas Complex remains a cornerstone of Africa’s gas infrastructure.
“The Gas Mega Hub aims to guarantee the longevity of the Punta Europa Gas Complex. It is a constant effort to identify and develop new resources that will secure the survival of the gas complex,” Ondo explained.
Among the recent deals, a landmark Heads of Agreement worth several billion dollars outlines the next development phase of the Gas Mega Hub.
Additionally, a multi-million-dollar incentives agreement with Chevron for the Aseng Gas Project in Block I will supply new volumes of natural gas for both domestic and export markets.
These initiatives underscore Equatorial Guinea’s central role in the broader Central Africa gas expansion strategy.
Open-Door Licensing Policy Boosts Investor Confidence
Equatorial Guinea’s government is also doubling down on policies that encourage international investment.
Ondo highlighted the country’s open-door licensing framework, which has already delivered multiple production sharing contracts and paved the way for its upcoming EG Ronda Licensing Round, scheduled for April 2026.
“Our aim is to rank among the most attractive countries for upstream investment through regulatory clarity and investor-friendly reforms,” Ondo stated.
Republic of Congo Prioritizes Energy Access
Echoing this momentum, Bruno Jean-Richard Itoua, Minister of Hydrocarbons for the Republic of Congo, stressed that Central Africa gas expansion will focus first on meeting domestic needs before export.
“Every drop of oil and gas counts. We have decided to make gas a priority. Exports will only come after we satisfy national demand,” Itoua said.
“Our immediate target is to provide electricity access to all Congolese within the next five years, alongside scaling clean cooking gas solutions.”
Congo’s projects are expected to deliver LNG, LPG, butane, and propane, helping diversify the economy while addressing pressing energy poverty challenges.
Security and Infrastructure: Key to Expansion
The issue of security was also discussed at AEW 2025, particularly as it relates to offshore and onshore energy assets.
Erik Prince, founder of Blackwater, stressed that safeguarding infrastructure is critical to the success of Central Africa gas expansion efforts.
“Because precision technology is now so affordable, the threat envelope has grown significantly.
Governments must prepare accordingly, and there is ample private sector capability to support sovereignty and protect energy assets,” Prince noted.
He further pointed to artificial intelligence and data centers as rising global energy demand drivers.
“The world’s appetite for energy is accelerating faster than many anticipate. Central Africa’s gas reserves are uniquely positioned to capitalize on this demand.”
Pathway to Regional Growth
The Central Africa gas expansion highlighted at African Energy Week demonstrates a coordinated push to position the region as a hub for energy supply and innovation.
With Equatorial Guinea leveraging its Gas Mega Hub and the Republic of Congo advancing domestic power access, both countries are setting the stage for sustainable growth.
The African Energy Chamber has reiterated its support for these initiatives, underscoring the role of gas in powering Africa’s industrialization and ensuring energy security.
As the continent continues to attract new investors, build infrastructure, and prioritize inclusive policies, Central Africa is emerging as a critical player in the global gas market.
The announcements at AEW 2025 reflect a long-term vision that places energy not just at the center of economic development but also as a key tool for improving livelihoods across the region.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Energy Chamber.
SOURCE: African Energy Chamber
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