Africa’s LNG Exports to Climb 175% by 2034 Amid Hormuz Shift
Africa is rapidly gaining prominence as a key supplier of liquefied natural gas (LNG) as energy purchasers increasingly seek alternatives to supplies routed through the geopolitically sensitive Strait of Hormuz. Forecasts suggest that Sub-Saharan Africa’s LNG exports will grow by 175% by 2034, highlighting the continent’s emerging role in the global energy landscape.
Drivers of Africa’s LNG Export Growth
Major oil and gas corporations such as TotalEnergies, ExxonMobil, Eni, and Shell are investing heavily in African LNG projects, with upstream investments expected to reach approximately $40 billion annually through 2030. Countries including Mozambique, Nigeria, Angola, Libya, and Ivory Coast are attracting significant capital, while projects in Uganda, Kenya, and Namibia contribute to expanding production capacity.
One of the most active regions is Mozambique’s Rovuma Basin, where a revival of large-scale projects is underway after years of interruptions related to security challenges. The TotalEnergies Mozambique LNG project, valued at $20 billion, has resumed construction and is about halfway complete. Nearby, Eni is advancing its Coral North floating LNG facility.
Why It Matters for Pakistan
For Pakistan, which has historically relied on LNG imports coming through exposed geopolitical routes, Africa’s growing LNG market represents an opportunity for diversification of gas supplies. The ability to secure LNG from a broader range of sources may help mitigate risks associated with regional instability in the Middle East and ensure steadier energy inflows for Pakistan’s expanding economy.
Currently, natural gas accounts for only 17% of primary energy consumption in Sub-Saharan Africa, below the global average. This underutilization points to a significant potential for growth in both infrastructure and domestic gas markets on the continent.
Expanding Infrastructure and Market Development
The surge in LNG exports is supported by enhancements in infrastructure, including floating LNG terminals that facilitate greater flexibility in supply. Fitch Ratings projects that Sub-Saharan Africa’s LNG exports will reach 98 billion cubic meters by 2034, up from 35.7 billion cubic meters in 2024. Additionally, demand within Africa itself is expected to rise by 60% by 2050 as governments focus on monetizing gas domestically rather than purely exporting raw materials.
Alex Kimani, an energy analyst, said, “African LNG is quickly becoming a reliable alternative as buyers look to avoid geopolitical chokepoints like Hormuz.” These developments underscore Africa’s strategic importance as a diversifying energy supplier to global markets.
