IGU Calls for Regional Gas Market Integration to Unlock West Africa’s Energy Potential
The International Gas Union (IGU) has called on West African countries to deepen regional cooperation and accelerate the integration of their gas markets to unlock the region’s enormous natural gas potential. Speaking at the 2026 West Africa Gas Summit (WAGS) in Accra, Ghana, IGU Regional Coordinator for Africa, Akachukwu Nwokedi, said stronger collaboration among nations is essential for transforming gas resources into lasting economic prosperity.
Representing IGU President Andrea Stegher at the summit, Nwokedi addressed policymakers, regulators, and industry leaders, stressing that the global energy landscape is undergoing significant changes. He noted that geopolitical tensions, shifting supply chains, and growing competition for energy resources have created new opportunities for Africa to emerge as a strategic supplier of natural gas to international markets.
According to Nwokedi, recent disruptions in key global energy corridors, including tensions in the Middle East and challenges around the Strait of Hormuz, have increased global interest in Africa’s gas reserves. However, he warned that fragmented national energy markets could prevent the continent from fully benefiting from these opportunities, urging countries to adopt coordinated policies and shared infrastructure projects.
He emphasised that no single nation, regardless of its gas reserves, can maximise the sector’s full potential alone. Instead, he said integrated markets, harmonised regulations, and regional partnerships would provide the scale and resilience needed to strengthen energy security, attract investment, and support long-term economic sovereignty across West Africa.
The IGU also highlighted natural gas as a key driver of industrialisation, power generation, and cleaner energy access. To achieve these goals, the organisation advocated expanding strategic projects such as the West African Gas Pipeline and the Trans-Saharan Gas Pipeline, while promoting innovative LNG solutions to serve underserved communities. Nwokedi concluded by urging stakeholders to move beyond discussions and focus on implementation, describing swift action as critical to achieving energy security, industrial growth, and economic transformation across the region.
source: Leadership