West African energy ministers and project developers opened the African Energy Week (AEW) 2025 conference with a call for an Africa-first approach to gas, underscoring the role of domestic markets in powering sustainable growth.
In a fireside chat sponsored by Kosmos Energy, Senegal’s Minister of Energy, Petroleum and Mines, Birame Soulèye Diop, and Ghana’s Minister of Energy and Green Transition, John Abdulai Jinapor, shared strategies for leveraging natural gas to expand access and lower energy costs.
“In Senegal, we have a goal to reach universal access to energy by 2029,” Diop said.
“Today, we are a country that exports oil and gas. But the cost to access fuel is still high. We would like to produce more for the country so that we can access resources for electricity. With gas, there are a lot of opportunities.”
Senegal, now an oil and gas producer following the 2024 commissioning of the Sangomar field and the Greater Tortue Ahmeyim (GTA) LNG project, is working to repurpose oil refineries for gas processing.
The GTA, led by BP and Kosmos Energy, began operations with an initial 2.3 million tons per annum (mtpa) capacity, with plans to expand to 5 mtpa. While designed primarily for exports, developers are exploring ways to serve domestic demand.
Kosmos Energy CEO, Andrew Inglis, said the company is prioritising domestic gas supply through projects like Yakaar-Teranga, which targets a final investment decision in 2025.
“Fundamental to the development of Senegal is the use of gas for domestic purposes,” Inglis said. “That is our next agenda: to work with the ministry to expand the scheme to deliver domestic gas.”
Ghana’s Jinapor highlighted his country’s gas-to-power policy, which has made gas the backbone of its energy system.
“Gas is an essential commodity. We have a gas-to-power policy, with gas accounting for 90% of our fuel in Ghana,” he said.
“What we have achieved so far can serve as a model for other economies so that Africa can achieve energy security through gas.”
Kosmos, active in both Senegal and Ghana, has positioned itself as a key partner in advancing regional energy projects.
Inglis said alignment between governments and private investors is vital: “An aligned national agenda is the bedrock of investment. If you are aligned on intent, then delivery is a lot easier.”
The discussion underscored how Africa’s rapidly evolving gas sector can support domestic power generation, reduce energy costs and strengthen energy security, while also reinforcing the continent’s role in global supply.
By Winston Mwale, AfricaBrief