By: Africa energy chamber

The African energy sector is entering a period of significant expansion, with upstream oil and gas investment projected to reach $41 billion in 2026 and production expected to hit 11.4 million barrels per day. This growth is driven by major producing nations such as Nigeria and Angola, frontier developments in Mozambique and elsewhere, and a strategic focus on natural gas and LNG to meet rising domestic demand and capture regional export opportunities. Below are fourteen key projects that highlight the investment and innovation shaping Africa’s energy future.

Republic of Congo – Litchendjili Gas Field & Congo LNG

Operated by Eni, this project supplies gas to a local power plant and supports the Congo LNG program. With the Tango FLNG unit already online and the Nguya FLNG unit expected by mid-2026, total capacity will reach 3 mtpa. The project emphasizes zero-flaring technology and local community development.

Libya – Block NC98

A consortium led by Waha Oil Company is developing the ‘A’ and ‘F’ structures in the Sirte Basin, targeting 80,000 bpd of condensate and waxy oil. Currently in FEED, production is slated to start in July 2028.

Ivory Coast – Baleine Phase 3

Eni’s expansion aims to increase output to 150,000 bpd and 200 million cubic feet of associated gas daily. Positioned as Africa’s first net-zero Scope 1 and 2 emissions project, it will support local power generation and enhance Ivory Coast’s role as a regional energy hub, with first production expected in January 2029.

Nigeria – ANOH Gas Project

A joint venture between Seplat Energy and NNPC Gas Infrastructure Company, this plant processes up to 300 million cubic feet of wet gas per day, producing dry gas, condensate, and LPG. Commercial operations began in May 2025, advancing Nigeria’s “Decade of Gas” strategy.

Angola – Agogo Phase 3

Operated by Azule Energy with partners including Sonangol and Sinopec, this deepwater project targets peak output of 175,000 bpd using a new FPSO alongside existing infrastructure. First oil was achieved in mid-2025, with full operations expected by January 2026, incorporating GHG-reduction technologies like combined-cycle power and pilot carbon capture.

Uganda – Tilenga Oil Project

Led by TotalEnergies, CNOOC, and Uganda National Oil Company, Tilenga is over 70% complete, with first oil expected in June 2026 and peak production of 190,000 bpd. Oil will be exported via the East African Crude Oil Pipeline to Tanzania.

Algeria – Bourarhet Nord Project

Sonatrach and partners are developing Block 242 in the Illizi and Berkine basins, targeting oil and gas from Lower Devonian reservoirs, with full operations scheduled for January 2030.

Mauritania/Senegal – GTA Phase 2

Following Phase 1 start-up in 2024, bp’s Phase 2 expansion aims to add 2.5–3 mtpa of LNG capacity via a gravity-based structure. A final investment decision is pending, with construction potentially starting in January 2028.

Equatorial Guinea – Block G-13

Kosmos Energy operates this deepwater discovery in the Rio Muni Basin, estimated to hold 80 million barrels of recoverable oil, with first production targeted for January 2030.

South Africa – Virginia Gas Project Phase 2

Renergen is expanding its onshore gas and helium operations, planning to drill hundreds of new wells and build processing and distribution infrastructure. Output is projected at 34,000 GJ/day of LNG and 4,200 kg/day of liquid helium, with a commercial launch expected by January 2028.

Cameroon – YoYo Gas Project

Operated by Chevron, this offshore gas-condensate discovery will be developed through Equatorial Guinea’s Gas Mega Hub, supporting LNG and downstream industries, with commercial operations targeted for January 2028.

Morocco – Tendrara Phase 2

Led by Mana Energy, Sound Energy, and ONHYM, this pipeline project will supply 42 million cubic feet per day of gas to Morocco’s power sector, with first gas sales expected in early 2028.

Gabon – Igongo 1

A pre-salt oil and gas discovery in the Nkembe Block, with operators including Perenco and Vaalco Energy assessing development options for first production by January 2028.

Egypt – Tennin Gas Field

An offshore East Delta gas discovery estimated at one trillion cubic feet, operated by Eni IEOC and bp, will supply the Damietta LNG plant for domestic use and export, with first gas expected in January 2029.