Gas
UN praises Nigeria-Morocco pipeline for energy security
The United Nations Economic Commission for Africa has lauded the proposed Nigeria-Morocco gas pipeline as a vital catalyst for regional energy connectivity and economic growth.
Key points
- The United Nations Economic Commission for Africa endorsed the cross-border infrastructure project during a New York session.
- The planned pipeline spans approximately 6,800 kilometres and connects 13 nations to enhance regional power supplies.
- Officials noted that persistent electricity deficits across the continent continue to hinder foreign investment and industrialisation.
What happened
The United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (ECA) has commended the joint Nigeria-Morocco gas pipeline initiative as a crucial step toward broadening electricity availability across the continent. According to Peoples Gazette Nigeria, ECA executive secretary Claver Gatete addressed the UN General Assembly’s Second Committee, highlighting the project's capacity to link 13 nations and tackle severe power deficits.
Originally conceived in 2016 by Abuja and Rabat, the infrastructure is alternatively termed the African Atlantic Gas Pipeline. Data from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) indicates the network will extend roughly 6,800 kilometres, incorporating about 5,100 kilometres of offshore components. The estimated capital expenditure for the network reaches $26 billion, designed to boost electricity output, encourage industrial growth, and foster job creation along the transit corridor.
Mr Gatete pointed out that roughly 600 million individuals across Africa still lack household electricity connections. He stressed that bridging this infrastructure gap through regional power pools and cross-border networks remains essential for improving creditworthiness and attracting sustainable long-term capital.
Why it matters
This regional undertaking carries profound implications for energy investors and policymakers navigating Africa's industrial transition. World Bank figures for 2024 indicate that Nigeria records an electricity access rate of 62.5 per cent alongside a per capita consumption of 140.6 kWh, contrasted with Morocco achieving universal electricity access and an average consumption of 1,034.9 kWh per person. Furthermore, fuel exports accounted for 85.9 per cent of merchandise exports in Nigeria as of 2025, underlining an acute need to diversify revenue streams through domestic gas utilisation and regional trade.
By integrating West African markets and offering an eventual export route toward Europe, the multi-billion-dollar corridor could transform raw resource extraction into regional value chains. As the ECA notes, strengthening continental connectivity remains critical to overcoming structural growth bottlenecks and expanding intra-African commerce.
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.
9.6% of electricity in Morocco 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.
