The upcoming Invest in African Energy (IAE) 2026 forum in Paris is set to sharpen investor focus on Africa’s gas sector, as Philip Mshelbila, Secretary-General of the Gas Exporting Countries Forum (GECF), prepares to outline emerging opportunities across the continent’s rapidly evolving energy landscape.
Dr. Mshelbila’s participation comes at a time when global energy markets are being reshaped by supply disruptions, geopolitical tensions, and rising demand for cleaner transition fuels, placing natural gas at the center of Africa’s energy and investment narrative.
According to projections by the GECF, Africa could attract as much as $115 billion in gas midstream investment between 2031 and 2040, largely driven by expanding liquefied natural gas (LNG) infrastructure. By 2050, the continent is expected to account for nearly a quarter of global liquefaction investments, positioning Africa as a critical player in global gas supply chains.
This long-term outlook is already being reflected in current project activity. Major developments across the continent, including the Greater Tortue Ahmeyim project on the Senegal–Mauritania maritime border, Mozambique’s Coral South floating LNG facility, and Nigeria’s Train 7 expansion, are advancing Africa’s credentials as a competitive LNG hub. Additional prospects in Tanzania, Egypt, and the wider Mediterranean basin further highlight the sector’s growing depth.
Beyond exports, domestic demand is also rising steadily. Africa’s gas consumption reached 183 billion cubic meters in 2025, driven by industrial growth, power generation needs, and expanding LNG import infrastructure in countries such as Ghana and South Africa. This dual dynamic, export growth alongside rising local demand, is creating a layered investment case for global capital.
Dr. Mshelbila has emphasized that gas development in Africa carries both commercial and social significance. With more than 600 million people lacking access to electricity, and even more without clean cooking solutions, the continent faces a pressing need to scale energy access. Meeting these needs will require a tripling of overall energy consumption by 2050, presenting investors with opportunities that combine financial returns with developmental impact.
At the policy level, the GECF continues to advocate for natural gas as a transition and long-term energy source, supporting industrialisation and lower-emission growth compared to more carbon-intensive fuels. Its engagement with global platforms, including the G20 Energy Transition Working Group, reflects a broader push to position gas as central to both energy security and climate strategies.
For investors attending IAE 2026, Mshelbila’s insights are expected to provide greater clarity on regulatory frameworks, project financing conditions, and cross-border cooperation shaping Africa’s gas value chain. These factors are becoming increasingly important as governments and industry players navigate security risks, funding constraints, and evolving policy environments.
As Europe and Asia look to diversify energy supplies amid geopolitical uncertainty, Africa’s expanding gas sector is emerging as a strategic alternative, offering both scale and proximity to key markets. The Paris forum is therefore likely to serve as a critical platform for aligning capital with opportunity in one of the world’s fastest-growing energy frontiers.
