Mauritania and Senegal have officially joined the ranks of global liquefied natural gas (LNG) exporters following the launch of the landmark $4.6 billion Greater Tortue Ahmeyim (GTA) cross-border gas project. This development significantly expands Africa's LNG export club, intensifying competition with established producers like Nigeria and Algeria.
The entry of these two West African nations into the global LNG market is a pivotal moment for African energy, underscoring the continent's growing role in meeting escalating international gas demand. The GTA project's operationalization highlights a broader trend of new investments boosting Africa's capacity to supply a global market increasingly seeking diversified and secure energy sources.
Executive Summary
Africa's LNG export landscape is undergoing a significant transformation as Mauritania and Senegal commence exports from the $4.6 billion Greater Tortue Ahmeyim (GTA) project. This offshore development, operated by bp, Kosmos Energy, and the national oil companies of both countries, is designed to produce approximately 2.5 million tonnes of LNG annually. The milestone, noted in the 2026 World LNG Report by the International Gas Union (IGU), comes as global LNG trade reached a record 437 million tonnes in 2025, marking a 6.3% increase from the previous year.
What Happened
Mauritania and Senegal launched the Greater Tortue Ahmeyim (GTA) project, a $4.6 billion offshore gas development straddling their maritime border. This project, operated by bp, Kosmos Energy, and the respective national oil companies, has propelled both nations into the global LNG export market. The first phase of the GTA project is set to produce around 2.5 million tonnes of LNG annually.
Key Developments
- New Exporters Emerge: Mauritania and Senegal have become the newest LNG-exporting nations, expanding Africa's role in global gas supply.
- Major Project Investment: The Greater Tortue Ahmeyim (GTA) project, valued at approximately $4.6 billion, is a cross-border offshore development.
- Increased LNG Capacity: Phase one of the GTA project is designed to produce about 2.5 million tonnes of LNG annually from an estimated 15 trillion cubic feet of recoverable natural gas.
Regional Context
The expansion of Africa's LNG export capabilities, particularly in West Africa, signals a broadening of the continent's strategic importance in global energy markets. This development intensifies competition with established African exporters like Nigeria and Algeria, while positioning the region as a critical supplier amid geopolitical uncertainties.
Market Impact
The addition of Mauritania and Senegal to the LNG export market introduces new supply volumes, potentially influencing global LNG pricing and trade flows. Traders and analysts will closely monitor the ramp-up of GTA production and its impact on the competitive landscape, especially as global LNG trade hit a record high of 437 million tonnes in 2025.
Outlook
The successful launch of the GTA project underscores Africa's increasing momentum in the global gas sector, with further investments expected to boost continental capacity. Future developments will likely focus on how new African LNG projects navigate geopolitical risks and evolving global demand dynamics.
