Africa’s LNG exports rise to 39.8 million tonnes as Nigeria, Angola drive growth

By Eyo Nsima

Africa strengthened its position in the global liquefied natural gas (LNG) market in 2025, with exports rising by 1.8 million metric tonnes (Mt) to 39.77 Mt, driven by higher shipments from Nigeria, Angola, Mozambique and the commencement of exports from the Mauritania-Senegal Greater Tortue Ahmeyim (GTA) project.

The 2026 World LNG Report showed that despite declining exports from Algeria and Egypt, the continent recorded positive growth at a time when global LNG trade reached a record 436.98 Mt, up 6.3 per cent or 25.74 Mt from 2024.

The report stated: “African exports rose to 39.77 Mt, supported by higher supply from Nigeria, Angola, Mozambique, and Mauritania/Senegal, despite lower exports from Algeria and Egypt.”

Nigeria and Angola were among the major contributors to the continent’s improved performance, with Nigeria increasing exports by 1.0 Mt to 14.78 Mt and Angola adding 1.1 Mt to 4.9 Mt.

Mauritania and Senegal also entered the global LNG market for the first time, exporting a combined 1.22 Mt following the start-up of the Greater Tortue Ahmeyim LNG project, marking a significant milestone for West Africa’s gas industry.

Nigeria leads Africa

Nigeria retained its position as Africa’s largest LNG exporter, accounting for 14.78 Mt, representing 3.4 per cent of global LNG exports.

Globally, Nigeria ranked seventh behind the United States (110.74 Mt), Qatar (81.51 Mt), Australia (80.32 Mt), Russia (30.52 Mt), Malaysia (28.80 Mt) and Indonesia (16.55 Mt).

Other African exporters included Algeria (9.70 Mt), Angola (4.90 Mt), Mozambique (3.70 Mt), Equatorial Guinea (3.0 Mt), Cameroon (1.50 Mt), Mauritania/Senegal (1.22 Mt), Congo (0.60 Mt) and Egypt (0.50 Mt).

While Nigeria, Angola and Mozambique recorded stronger exports, Algeria suffered one of the largest declines globally, with shipments falling by 1.9 Mt, while Egypt’s exports also weakened amid rising domestic demand.

Egypt emerges as Africa’s biggest LNG importer

Ironically, Egypt also became Africa’s fastest-growing LNG importer in 2025.

According to the report, Africa’s LNG imports surged from 2.7 Mt in 2024 to 9.8 Mt in 2025, almost entirely due to Egypt’s increased purchases.

Egypt alone increased LNG imports by 6.9 Mt—the largest increase recorded by any importing nation worldwide.

The report attributed Egypt’s higher imports to declining domestic gas production, reduced pipeline gas supplies from Israel and stronger domestic natural gas demand.

Europe replaces Asia as key growth market

The report showed a major shift in global LNG demand, with Europe replacing Asia as the fastest-growing destination for LNG cargoes.

European imports jumped by 26.1 Mt to 126.2 Mt in 2025, led by Italy, France, Spain, Türkiye, the Netherlands, Belgium and Germany.

By contrast, Asia’s imports declined by 9.2 Mt to 108.7 Mt as China reduced purchases by 8.9 Mt and India by 1.5 Mt, reflecting stronger domestic production and increased pipeline gas supplies.

Although Asia Pacific remained the world’s largest LNG-importing region with 168.7 Mt, Europe accounted for most of the increase in global demand during the year.

New opportunities for African exporters

The changing trade flows could create fresh opportunities for African LNG exporters.

With Europe increasing imports to strengthen energy security and diversify supply sources, producers in Nigeria, Angola, Mozambique, Mauritania and Senegal are well positioned to expand exports, given their relative proximity to European markets.

The report also highlighted the emergence of new African LNG producers, signalling that the continent is becoming an increasingly important source of global gas supplies.

Industry analysts say continued investment in upstream gas development, LNG infrastructure and export facilities will be critical if Africa is to capture a larger share of the growing global LNG market, particularly as competition intensifies from the United States, Qatar and Canada.

Despite North America recording the largest export growth in 2025, Africa’s improved performance demonstrates the continent’s growing strategic role in global energy security. With Nigeria maintaining its leadership, Angola expanding production and Mauritania-Senegal joining the ranks of LNG exporters, Africa is steadily strengthening its footprint in the global LNG industry.