Oil and natural gas industry in Africa - statistics & facts

Africa accounted for roughly eight percent of the global oil output in 2022. Around 332 million metric tons of oil were produced on the continent that same year. The region generated seven million barrels per day, one of the lowest production levels since 2000. However, oil remains a primary driver for the economy in producing countries, and its vast reserves may launch other African nations as new producers. The hydrocarbon sector has also shown its potential regarding natural gas, reserves of which exceed 625 trillion cubic meters.

African oil and gas powerhouses

Crude oil and natural gas production is distributed widely in Africa but heavily concentrated in the West and North regions. Located on the West African coast, Nigeria is the major and more mature African oil producer, accounting for around 21 percent of the continent’s production in 2022. Algeria, Angola, Libya, and Egypt follow, composing the five leading African oil producers. Moreover, these five countries, together with Equatorial Guinea, also constitute the largest producers of natural gas in Africa. Altogether, they accounted for over 90 percent of the continent’s output in 2022. In terms of oil refinery capacity, strong variations are registered among the said five countries, ranging from 833 thousand barrels per day in Egypt and 80 thousand barrels per day in Angola.

Fossil fuel exports

With the main African oil and gas producers in West and North Africa, the regions accounted for some eight percent of global oil exports in 2022. That same year, Nigeria led crude oil exports, with 1.4 million barrels of oil sold on the international market per day. The country also exported large quantities of natural gas, around 32 billion standard cubic meters, following Algeria and before Egypt. Natural gas exports from both Northern African countries reached 49 billion and 12 billion standard cubic meters, respectively. Consequently, fossil fuels play a crucial role in producing countries' economies. For instance, crude oil and natural gas accounted for nearly six percent of Nigeria’s GDP and contributed 19 percent of Algeria’s GDP.

New players in the sector

Apart from the established main producer countries, other African nations have been rising as potential players. As of 2020, Africa counted over 15 upcoming liquids projects. The main one is located in Uganda, with an estimated resource volume of 945 million barrels of oil equivalent. Moreover, roughly 40 percent of global gas discoveries in the last decades were in Africa. As the third-largest holder of natural gas reserves in the region, Mozambique has a promising future in the sector.
This text provides general information. Statista assumes no liability for the information given being complete or correct. Due to varying update cycles, statistics can display more up-to-date data than referenced in the text.
Published by Doris Dokua Sasu, Dec 14, 2023

Key insights

Leading oil producer
Nigeria
Crude oil reserves
125.3bn bbl
Leading natural gas producer
Algeria
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Editor’s Picks Current statistics on this topic

Natural gas production in Africa from 1998 to 2022 (in billion cubic meters)

Natural Gas

Natural gas production in Africa 1998-2022

Natural gas reserves in Africa as of 2021, by main country (in trillion cubic feet)

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Countries with the largest natural gas reserves in Africa 2021

Oil production in Africa from 1998 to 2022 (in 1,000 barrels per day)

Crude Oil

Oil production in Africa 1998-2022

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