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With over 600 million people currently living without access to electricity in Africa, there lies a critical need to strengthen generation, transmission and distribution infrastructure. Current estimates show that the continent will need to add 250 GW of power capacity between now and 2030 to meet anticipated demand growth and natural gas has emerged as one of the fastest pathways to achieving this goal.

With over 620 trillion cubic feet (tcf) of proven reserves, natural gas provides sub-Saharan Africa with three key advantages. It offers reliability by delivering baseload electricity and balancing renewable energy across grid systems; it is scalable, with upstream gas developments enhancing feedstock; and it aligns closely with Africa’s energy transition goals. These factors underscore the role natural gas can play in Africa’s evolving power sector. Yet, the question is not about potential, but rather, about the speed and scale that the continent is able to develop its gas-to-power industry.

From Potential to Projects

Reaching 250 GW by 2030 will demand massive capital flows, restructured power systems and a focus on domestic markets rather than exports. Yet the cornerstone of this expansion is already in motion, with gas-to-power projects advancing continent-wide. In Southern Africa, Angola is enhancing power capacity through its 750 MW Soyo II Combined Cycle Power Plant – currently in the permitting stage – and its operational Soyo I and Falcão Phase 2 facilities. Namibia is developing the 800 MW Kudu Gas Project, while Mozambique is advancing the 450 MW Temane project.

In West Africa, Karpowership began producing electricity from Senegalese LNG in 2025. The country is also developing the 300 MW Cap des Biches project while converting the Sendou coal-fired plant to gas. Mauritania started construction at a 60 MW dual-fired power plant in 2025 and is developing two additional facilities with a capacity of 230 MW and 300 MW respectively. Meanwhile in Central Africa, the Republic of Congo kickstarted the 25 MW Djeno Power Plant in 2025 and plans to increase capacity at the 484 MW CEC project to 950 MW in the coming months. Gabon started works on the Owendo gas-to-power plant and commissioned Karpower’s floating power plants in 2025. These projects reflect Africa’s drive to harness its gas resources for reliable power generation. Yet, much more investment is required to meet the 250 GW target.

Policy Entices Spending

Regulatory reform serves as a vehicle for attracting investment across Africa’s gas-to-power market and countries are already responding to calls by the industry to strengthen policies. Both Angola and the Republic of Congo are preparing to launch Gas Master Plans, providing comprehensive guides to investing in the gas value chain. South Africa has set clear gas-to-power targets through its Integrated Resource Plan, with plans to develop up to 8,100 MW of new capacity by 2030. Nigeria’s Decade of Gas initiative envisions new gas-fired power plants coming to market while Tanzania is spearheading a 25-year strategic plan to accelerate gas development. These policies will not only attract international capital but ensure gas development directly supports local industries, electricity generation and long-term energy security.

African Energy Week 2025

Africa’s emerging gas-to-power market will be a key feature at this year’s African Energy Week (AEW): Invest in African Energies conference, scheduled for September 29 to October 3 in Cape Town. Through its Powering Africa Track, the event will explore emerging opportunities across the continent’s power market, with a series of panel discussions, on-stage-interviews and presentations focused exclusively on gas-to-power trends. A highlight of the program is the Gas-to-Power: Meeting Africa’s Growing Domestic Energy Demand Now! session, offering insight into projects, opportunities and challenges.

The AEW: Invest in African Energies’ Energy Transition Track will also spotlight opportunities for harnessing gas-to-power in Africa. Recognizing the central role gas plays in the continent’s energy transition, the program track will host discussions on integrating gas in the energy system, financing strategies for small- to large-scale projects and cross-border trade. Key sessions include Driving European Expertise and Investment into Africa’s Gas Development; Beyond Exports: Developing Commercially Viable Domestic Gas Markets; and Accelerating Natural Gas Development and Investment Opportunities in Nigeria. By uniting project developers, financiers and technology firms with African project opportunities, the event positions gas at the forefront of Africa’s power transformation.

“Sub-Saharan Africa’s 250 GW target is ambitious but achievable if we leverage our resources wisely – including natural gas. Projects advancing in Angola, Congo and across the region show what is possible when governments and investors align. By monetizing our gas, we can light up homes, fuel industries and drive Africa’s energy transition on African terms,” says NJ Ayuk, Executive Chairman, African Energy Chamber.

AEW: Invest in African Energies is the platform of choice for project operators, financiers, technology providers and government, and has emerged as the official place to sign deals in African energy. Visit www.aecweek.com for more information about this exciting event.