The Gas Exporting Countries Forum (GECF) Leadership Roundtable will convene in Paris during the Invest in African Energy (IAE) Forum 2027, highlighting the growing importance of cooperation among African gas-producing nations. As global demand for liquefied natural gas (LNG) rises and markets face geopolitical disruptions, African producers are positioning themselves to play a larger role in the global energy landscape.
The GECF forecasts that LNG exports from Africa will reach about 110 billion cubic meters (bcm), or 80 million tons per annum (mtpa), by 2030, with projections rising to 215 bcm, or 160 mtpa, by 2050. Key producers include Algeria, Angola, Egypt, Equatorial Guinea, Mozambique, Mauritania, Senegal, and Nigeria. The continent's gas supply is becoming increasingly strategic, particularly as disruptions in other regions, such as the Middle East, drive demand for diversified LNG sources.
African gas producers face the dual challenge of expanding exports while meeting rising domestic demand. Governments are seeking to use gas for electricity supply, industrial development, and new revenue streams, requiring a balance between export projects and domestic infrastructure. The GECF Leadership Roundtable will address these issues, fostering coordination among producing countries to share experiences on fiscal frameworks, project development, and market access.
The global LNG market is becoming more competitive, with Asia leading in planned import capacity. The roundtable, taking place from May 11-13, 2027, will bring together senior leaders, investors, and project developers to discuss these challenges and opportunities. The broader IAE Forum aims to connect African energy markets with global capital, focusing on gas, LNG, infrastructure, and power projects.