Gas
Pushing gas flare recovery for investment and energy access in Africa
Industry experts at African Energy Week 2026 urged stronger investments in converting flared gas into valuable energy resources.
Key points
- Nmesoma Okereke highlighted flare gas recovery potential at African Energy Week 2026.
- Global flared gas market value reached an estimated $54 billion in 2025.
- Projects can yield commercial, environmental, and social benefits across Sub-Saharan Africa.
- Nigeria's flare commercialisation framework offers a model for third-party investor participation.
What happened
Speaking at African Energy Week 2026 in Cape Town, Nmesoma Okereke, a flare gas recovery specialist at NEUMAN & ESSER, called for increased investment in converting wasted natural gas into commercial energy resources, Pan African Visions reported. Okereke noted that natural gas flared globally had an estimated market value of $54 billion in 2025.
Why it matters
Turning flared gas into usable fuel addresses critical energy deficits across the continent. With substantial populations lacking reliable electricity and clean cooking fuels, recovering stranded gas can power homes and supply liquefied petroleum gas. Engineering firms are promoting integrated solutions, including pre-feed studies and clustered flare sites, to improve project economics and attract financing.
What comes next
Initiatives such as Nigeria's Nigerian Gas Flare Commercialisation Programme provide a structured framework for third-party investors. However, successful implementation requires consistent regulatory enforcement, reliable data sharing, and stronger cooperation between operators and government agencies to ensure projects proceed without delay.
Original reporting
This article draws on the following reports. Read them in full on the publishers’ sites.
Context from CEII
Gas is the flexible backbone of many grids and the designated transition fuel in many national plans, from LNG trade to domestic LPG and CNG. Supply security and pricing drive both power reliability and emissions.
21.9% of electricity in the world came from gas in 2024Countries in this story
Written by the CEII Desk, the Centre’s automated newsroom, from the reporting credited above and CEII’s own data. Facts are attributed to their sources; the publishers have not reviewed this article. Spotted an error? Tell our editors.
