Africa: natural gas reserves by main country 2021

Natural gas reserves in Africa totaled over 620 trillion cubic feet in 2021. Nigeria housed the largest reserves in the continent, around 200 trillion cubic feet – equivalent to roughly three percent of the proved global natural gas reserves. In addition, North Africa accounted for nearly half of the continent’s total gas reserves, with Algeria concentrating the highest amount, some 159 trillion cubic feet. As natural gas demand increases worldwide, Africa and its resource-richness may play an increasing role in the supply chain.

Gas production on the rise

Natural gas reserves in Africa will last around another 55.7 years before being depleted, considering that the present level of production is maintained. In 2020, the continent generated 231 billion cubic meters of natural gas. This represented a growth of more than 70 percent in the output level in comparison to 2000. Currently, Algeria is the main natural gas producer in Africa, followed by Egypt and Nigeria. Naturally, the countries are also the continent’s leading gas exporters.

Africa’s potential as international supplier

As of 2020, Africa’s natural gas exports amounted to over 95 billion standard cubic meters, with Algeria, Egypt, and Nigeria as major exporters, as previously mentioned. Most of the African gas exports arrive in Europe, which absorbed 60 percent of the gas exported from Africa in 2019, via pipelines or as LNG. Algeria’s gas exports, for instance, were destined almost entirely for Italy and Spain. The geographical proximity to Europe makes the Northern African country a strategical supplier – although stagnating production levels and lack of infrastructure may impose challenges for increasing the trade level.