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A senior delegation from Senegal’s Ministry of Energy, Petroleum and Mines will participate at this year’s African Energy Week (AEW): Invest in African Energies 2025, taking place from September 29 to October 3 in Cape Town. The delegation will be led by Minister Birame Souleye Diop, who is joined by senior representatives from the ministry, including Director of Hydrocarbons Papa Samba Ba, Director for Exploration Ibrahima Noba, and Senior Engineer Amadou Woury Diallo. Their participation reflects the drive by the ministry to connect with investors and advance future projects.

In a major policy development, Senegal recently announced that all crude oil from the 100,000-barrel-per-day (bpd) Sangomar field development will be refined domestically, positioning the country’s SAR refinery as a centerpiece of national energy policy. The facility has already processed an initial batch of 90,000 tons of petroleum products and is slated for expansion to curb imports, enhance self-sufficiency and supply regional markets. This downstream focus is part of a broader strategy to capture greater value locally and stimulate industrialization through energy-led growth.

At the same time, Senegal is ramping up its gas-to-power strategy. The government announced that it will end all natural gas imports in 2026, shifting to domestic resources to fuel power generation and fuel supply. Earlier this year, Turkish powership operator Karpowership also commissioned Africa’s first LNG-to-power facility in Senegal, integrating upstream supply with domestic energy utilization. The government aims to develop over 3 GW of gas-to-power capacity by 2050 – reducing electricity costs, boosting manufacturing competitiveness and expanding access for its growing population.

On the upstream side, Senegal is advancing the Yakaar-Teranga gas project, located entirely within national waters. With a final investment decision expected in 2025 and production slated for 2028-2029, the project will primarily target the domestic market, supplying power generation and industries with low-cost gas. Discussions are ongoing with new partners to join Senegal’s national oil company Petrosen and operator Kosmos Energy in driving the project forward.

These latest developments build on the success of the Greater Tortue Ahmeyim (GTA) LNG project, which achieved first gas in January 2025. Operated by energy major bp and Kosmos Energy, GTA is one of Africa’s most complex deepwater projects and is producing 2.3 million tons of LNG per year. Phase 1 positions Senegal as a competitive LNG exporter, while Phase 2 is already under consideration to expand export capacity and deepen monetization of cross-border resources shared with Mauritania.

Senegal also marked a historic milestone in 2024 with the start of production at the $5.2 billion Sangomar oilfield. Operated by global energy company Woodside Energy, the project produced 16.9 million barrels in its first year – surpassing initial expectations – and began supplying crude directly to Dakar’s refinery in early 2025. With a capacity of 100,000 bpd, Sangomar represents Senegal’s transformation into a regional oil producer and creates opportunities for new investment across exploration, refining and downstream development.

Beyond hydrocarbons, Senegal is fast-tracking its renewable energy agenda, with a target of 40% renewables in the power mix by 2030. The country already hosts West Africa’s largest wind farm – the 158 MW Taiba N’Diaye facility – alongside a growing portfolio of solar and hydro projects. These initiatives complement the country’s oil and gas base, ensuring a diversified and sustainable energy mix. Under the leadership of President Bassirou Diomaye Faye, Senegal has launched a 25-year economic and social development plan centered on achieving economic sovereignty, full electricity access and resource-based industrialization. The energy sector lies at the heart of this strategy, balancing monetization of hydrocarbons with environmental stewardship and renewable integration.

“Senegal’s energy sector is entering an exciting era of growth and innovation. With new upstream developments, domestic refining and renewable projects, the country is not only enhancing energy security but also creating meaningful opportunities for industrialization, job creation and regional leadership in sustainable energy,” states 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.