Africa builds $25 billion megaproject: New gas pipeline to reach Europe

The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has officially endorsed the African Atlantic Gas Pipeline (AAGP) project, a landmark $25 billion infrastructure initiative poised to reshape the continent's energy landscape. This ambitious pipeline will link Nigeria's natural gas reserves to Morocco, establishing a vital new energy corridor that extends to European markets.

The project, initiated as a bilateral effort between Morocco and Nigeria, has now evolved into a regional undertaking supported by all ECOWAS member states. The official backing came through the signing of an Intergovernmental Agreement (IGA) during the 69th ECOWAS summit in Freetown, Sierra Leone. This agreement formalizes the commitment of thirteen African nations to the pipeline's development.

Stretching nearly 6,800 kilometers, the AAGP is designed to transport 30 billion cubic meters of natural gas annually. Up to 15 billion cubic meters could be supplied to Morocco and European markets, while the remainder will serve West African countries, bolstering electricity production, industrial development, and economic growth across the region.

With an estimated cost of $25 billion, the AAGP ranks among the most significant strategic infrastructure investments currently planned globally. Key engineering, environmental, and technical studies have been completed, paving the way for the establishment of a dedicated Project Company in Casablanca and a High Authority for the Pipeline in Abuja, Nigeria. These entities will oversee the project's progression, coordinate partner states, and finalize investment decisions before construction commences, with the first sections anticipated to go online in the early 2030s.