Gas Policies to Watch in Africa

With over 620 trillion cubic feet of proven natural gas reserves, Africa’s gas sector is undergoing significant transformation. Across the continent, countries are rolling out targeted gas policies: Angola and the Republic of Congo aim to monetize reserves through new infrastructure and regulatory clarity; South Africa is finalizing plans to secure LNG imports; Namibia is laying local content foundations for future gas production; and Tanzania is advancing long-term development to kickstart its LNG ambitions. These initiatives reflect a growing commitment to leveraging natural gas as a driver of energy transition, job creation and regional growth.

Angola’s National Gas Master Plan

Angola’s 30-year National Gas Master Plan, approved in early 2025, sets out to attract over $30 billion in investment and generate $150 billion in economic benefits by establishing a clear regulatory framework and incentivizing non-associated gas development. The plan supports projects like the Quiluma and Maboqueiro fields – Angola’s first non-associated gas development – which are set to supply Angola LNG by late 2025. It also targets supply security through initiatives such as Chevron’s Sanha Lean Gas project, which achieved first gas in December 2024 and boosted feedstock flow by 300 million cubic feet per day. A proposed LNG mini-train and broader infrastructure aims to bring Angola LNG to full operational capacity. The plan further prioritizes domestic market growth, including gas use in power, petrochemicals and LPG, and aims to raise gas’s share of the energy mix to 25% by 2025, reducing oil dependence and strengthening long-term energy resilience.

Congo’s Gas Master Plan

Led by national oil company Société Nationale des Pétroles du Congo, the Republic of Congo’s Gas Master Plan (GMP) targets the monetization of approximately 10 trillion cubic feet of proven reserves to reduce energy imports and stimulate economic growth. The plan includes developing new pipelines, gas-to-power infrastructure and a forthcoming Gas Code in 2025 aimed at attracting foreign investment. Together, the GMP and Gas Code clarify fiscal and legal terms, support small-scale stranded gas monetization and streamline contract negotiations.

South Africa’s Draft Gas Master Plan

South Africa’s draft Gas Master Plan outlines a shift toward securing gas supply through LNG imports and regional sources. In March 2025, South Africa’s Department of Mineral and Petroleum Resources announced the completion of technical modelling work for the plan. The framework positions gas as a transition fuel under the country’s Integrated Resource Plan and supports carbon capture, utilization and storage to reduce emissions. It also encourages investment in upstream activities, ensures business continuity and balances energy development with environmental sustainability and job creation.

Namibia’s National Upstream Local Content Policy

As Namibia prepares for first oil and gas production by 2029, its National Upstream Local Content Policy – approved in December 2024 – lays the groundwork for a skilled local workforce and competitive domestic supply chain to support upcoming energy projects, including gas. Major discoveries by TotalEnergies, Shell and Galp in offshore blocks containing both oil and associated gas reserves have raised the country’s profile as an emerging upstream hub. The policy mandates local content plans from operators covering employment, procurement and training, with oversight by the Ministry of Mines and Energy. As gas developments progress, the policy ensures that Namibians benefit directly from investment and capacity-building across the oil and gas value chain, positioning the country to meet domestic demand and support long-term gas monetization.

Tanzania’s 25-Year Strategic Plan

 In April 2025, the Tanzania Petroleum Development Corporation launched a 25-Year Strategic Plan focused on hydrocarbon exploration in the Mnazi Bay North and Songo Songo West blocks. The plan is designed to accelerate the country’s long-awaited LNG project and promote national development, energy feasibility and industrial growth. At the plan’s launch, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Energy Doto Biteko called for investment in mini-LNG, compressed natural gas and pipeline infrastructure. The strategy also emphasizes financial independence through improved operations, job creation, revenue growth and access to clean, affordable energy.