African Energy Sector Booms with 31 New LNG Projects Worth $78 Billion

Africa's energy sector is experiencing significant growth, driven by a surge in liquefied natural gas (LNG) projects. According to Industrial Info Resources, there are currently 31 grassroots LNG projects underway on the continent, with a combined total investment value of $78.48 billion. This investment is expected to pay off as Africa's LNG exports grew by 27% in Q1 2026, reaching nearly 10% of global totals.

The continent's nations and investors are plowing billions into discovering, producing, and transporting oil and gas, with the goal of achieving energy self-sufficiency. However, this will not be achieved overnight, as Africa still imports refined products such as gasoline and diesel at a much higher price than it exports raw crude.

Some notable LNG projects in Africa include Total Energies' 12.9 million-tonne-per-annum Mozambique LNG project and ExxonMobil's 18-MTPA Rovuma LNG project. In Nigeria, the Train 7 expansion at the Bonny Island LNG plant will add 7.6 MTPA of capacity, while in Senegal, Kosmos Energy's Senegal-Mauritania GTA project Phase 1 is expected to contribute significantly to the country's growth.