By: Energy capital & power

A meeting held between U.S. President Donald Trump and the leaders of Senegal, Mauritania, Gabon, Liberia and Guinea-Bissau at the White House in July 2025 spotlighted these opportunities, paving the way for US-led investment across the region.

The summit marked a shift from aid to commerce, with President Trump calling the countries “vibrant places with great minerals, great oil deposits, and wonderful people.” Discussions focused on catalyzing strategic investment in energy, mining and regional infrastructure. Several major projects across the region are seeking investment partners, underscoring a vital opportunity for US companies.  

Senegal: Yakaar‑Teranga Gas Development

The offshore Yakaar‑Teranga field – operated by international oil company Kosmos Energy (90%) in partnership with state oil firm Petrosen (10%) – is one of the largest recent gas discoveries globally, holding around 25 trillion cubic feet (TCF) of recoverable gas. Situated in the Cayar Offshore Profond Block, the project entered the FEED stage in 2023, with a final investment decision expected by Q4, 2025.

Production is slated for between 2028 and 2029 and the companies are currently seeking a partner to join the project. The project will support Senegal’s gas-to-power and industrialization plans, supplying electricity to utilities and industries like a local urea plant, while increasing export capacity via an LNG facility projected at 10 MPTA.  

Mauritania: BirAllah Gas Hub

South of the Greater Tortue Ahmeyim field, the BirAllah offshore gas discovery lies entirely in Mauritanian waters and reportedly contains up to 80 TCF of high‑quality gas reserves. The field is estimated to produce the equivalent of 4 billion cubic feet per day, that could support both domestic power generation and exports via a proposed LNG plant at N’Diago Port. Initial development costs are estimated at $17 billion, and commercial output is expected by 2030, with operations potentially extending through 2062. Mauritania’s government is actively promoting the field internationally, offering tax incentives and investor protections to attract new partners following oil major bp’s exit from the project timeline.

Guinea‑Bissau: Saltinho Hydropower Plant

Under the regional OMVG program supporting power infrastructure in the MSGBC basin, the Saltinho run‑of‑river hydropower project on the Corubal River will deliver around 20 MW of clean renewable electricity to Guinea‑Bissau and neighboring countries. Detailed feasibility and environmental studies have been completed by a consortium comprising engineering firms COBA Consultores de Engenharia e Ambiente and Artelia. The estimated total cost of the project is between €60–100 million. The plant will connect via transmission infrastructure to Guinea-Bissau, integrating into broader regional grids and nearly doubling the country’s power capacity. While still in early development stages, the project embodies cross-border renewable collaboration and is poised to boost industrial and rural energy access.

Liberia: Nimba Iron Ore Railway & Port Corridor

Liberia is seeking to revitalize the Nimba railway and port corridor to serve iron ore producers across the region. A $1.8 billion multi‑user rail concession, signed in July 2025 with Ivanhoe Atlantic, aims to upgrade the 245 km Yekepa–Buchanan line and reopen Liberia’s export corridor. The agreement outlines plans to extend or rehabilitate up to the Guinea border and share corridor access with other users. Previously operated by mining firm ArcelorMittal, the railway was underutilized with only five million tons of ore transported per year despite a capacity of 22 million tons. The revamped corridor promises increased throughput, regional trade and infrastructure-led growth, positioning Liberia as a logistics hub in West Africa.

Gabon: Baniaka Iron Ore Mine

Mining company Genmin’s Baniaka iron ore project, situated in southeast Gabon, holds full permitting, environmental clearance and a 20‑year mining concession with state‑backed agreements in place. Designed to operate initially at five million tons per year, expandable to 10 million tons, the project includes a 60 km haul road connecting to a rail terminal on the Trans‑Gabon Railway and export via the Owendo Mineral Port. Initial construction is underway, with first commercial production targeted for late 2026, provided financing is secured.