IAE 2025 to Explore What’s Next for West African Gas in Exclusive Fireside Chat

The Invest in African Energy (IAE) Forum in Paris is set to host a pivotal session – In Conversation with Senegal and Mauritania – featuring a fireside chat with Birame Soulèye Diop, Minister of Energy, Oil and Mines of Senegal, and Mohamed Ould Khaled, Minister of Petroleum and Energy of Mauritania. This exclusive dialogue will examine how large-scale energy projects – including the Greater Tortue Ahmeyim (GTA) LNG development – are ushering in a new era of gas-driven growth in West Africa.

The GTA project, a collaborative cross-border initiative between Senegal and Mauritania, reached a significant milestone with the launch of first gas production in January 2025. Phase 1 is expected to produce approximately 2.3 million tons of LNG per annum, positioning the two nations as major LNG exporters. The focus now shifts to securing a final investment decision (FID) for Phase 2, which could increase production to 2.5-3 million tons per annum through the implementation of a gravity-based structure, further strengthening the region’s position in the global energy market. FID will depend on continued cross-border cooperation, regulatory alignment and securing additional investment.

IAE 2025 is an exclusive forum designed to facilitate investment between African energy markets and global investors. Taking place May 13-14, 2025 in Paris, the event offers delegates two days of intensive engagement with industry experts, project developers, investors and policymakers. For more information, please visit www.invest-africa-energy.com. To sponsor or participate as a delegate, please contact sales@ecp.fgxdev.co.za.

Beyond GTA, the session will explore other significant projects, including Mauritania’s BirAllah gas field and Senegal’s Yakaar-Teranga gas-to-power initiative, which could reach FID later this year. These projects highlight the region’s commitment to utilizing natural gas for economic growth and energy security. The BirAllah field represents a substantial offshore gas reserve, while the Yakaar-Teranga project aims to harness domestic gas for power generation, bolstering national energy self-sufficiency and supporting the country’s industrial expansion. Revenues from Yakaar-Teranga, for instance, could reach nearly $1 billion between 2025 and 2027, providing critical funding for priority investment programs in key social sectors.

If these projects progress as planned, Senegal and Mauritania could emerge as regional leaders in Africa’s energy transition, achieving an unprecedented level of energy self-sufficiency, driving socioeconomic development and strengthening their positions in the West African energy market – alongside large-scale hydrogen developments underway in Mauritania. IAE 2025 offers a strategic platform to spotlight these opportunities, fostering dialogue among policymakers, industry leaders and investors. By showcasing the advancements and potential of Senegal and Mauritania’s energy sectors, the forum aims to attract investment and promote the sustainable development of the region’s natural resources.