A Major Step Forward for the Atlantic Africa Gas Pipeline
Amina Benkhadra, director-general of Morocco’s National Office of Hydrocarbons and Mines (ONHYM), has highlighted a significant milestone in the development of the Atlantic Africa Gas Pipeline. The signing of the intergovernmental agreement governing the project marks a turning point, formalizing the commitment of West African countries to move forward with its implementation.
In a statement, Benkhadra emphasized that the agreement reflects the effective endorsement of the project by the heads of state and government of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS). This approval came during the bloc’s 66th ordinary summit, where the framework was officially adopted. She described the signing as the culmination of years of institutional coordination that began with the memorandum of understanding signed by Morocco and Nigeria on September 15, 2022.
The strategic initiative originated from the vision of King Mohammed VI of Morocco and former Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari. It has continued to receive support from current Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. ONHYM and the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Ltd. have worked closely on the project’s technical and institutional aspects. Detailed engineering studies have been completed, surveys of the pipeline route have been carried out, and significant progress has been made on environmental and social assessments, as well as on the project’s legal, regulatory, and commercial framework.
Transitioning to Practical Implementation
According to Benkhadra, the intergovernmental agreement marks the transition from the institutional phase to practical implementation. It establishes a common legal and governance framework that will allow participating countries to cooperate under a unified, transparent, and secure system.
The next phase of the project will involve the creation of the project company, which will be headquartered in Casablanca. This entity will be responsible for developing, financing, constructing, and operating the pipeline. A governing body known as the Pipeline Higher Authority will also be established in Abuja to oversee the project before efforts begin to mobilize investors and prepare for the final investment decision.
Benkhadra revealed that the final legal stage of the project will conclude with a formal ceremony in Morocco. During this event, Morocco and Mauritania will jointly sign the agreement in the presence of the Nigerian president, paving the way for the financing and construction phases.
A Broader Development Initiative
Benkhadra stressed that the Atlantic Africa Gas Pipeline is not merely an energy transport project but a broader development initiative designed to create long-term value across the continent. “West African and Sahel countries need sustainable energy sources to continue their development trajectories,” she said. The pipeline will strengthen energy security, support electricity generation, and help meet growing demand for energy in the region.
She also highlighted the project’s economic potential, stating that it would attract investment not only in the energy sector but also in industry, services, and related infrastructure. The project is expected to support local value chains and create both direct and indirect jobs throughout its construction and operation.
Strategic Importance for Morocco
Benkhadra emphasized that the pipeline carries strategic importance for Morocco by reinforcing the kingdom’s role as a bridge between Africa and Europe. It advances Morocco’s vision of a more integrated and interconnected continent.
She welcomed the ECOWAS summit held in Freetown, Sierra Leone, saying the collective endorsement of the agreement by regional leaders provides the project with the political legitimacy and institutional backing needed to move into the implementation stage.
“The Atlantic Africa Gas Pipeline goes beyond its energy dimension to become a continental project for development and economic integration,” Benkhadra said. “It embodies a shared vision for a more prosperous and interconnected Africa while strengthening Morocco’s position as a strategic partner linking the continent to Europe.”
Project Overview and Expected Impact
The agreement was signed during the ECOWAS summit in Freetown, marking the project’s official transition into the implementation phase. The pipeline will extend from Nigeria to Morocco through 13 Atlantic-facing African countries while also connecting landlocked Sahel states to the regional network.
It is expected to transport up to 30 billion cubic meters of natural gas annually, with as much as 15 billion cubic meters destined for Morocco and European markets through its connection to the Maghreb-Europe Gas Pipeline. Officials say the project will help strengthen energy security, support industrialization, create jobs, and deepen economic integration between Africa and Europe.
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