The energy sector in Africa experiences an increasing competition between Algeria and Morocco, two countries that are competing for the construction of strategic pipelines. On the one hand, Algeria is advancing in the realization of its trans -Saharan gas pipeline project, supported by solid institutional agreements. On the other, Morocco, despite its ambitions and its ads, struggles to materialize its transatlantic gas pipeline, faced with delays and uncertainties.
Algeria has been able to develop its trans -Saharan pipeline with a pragmatic approach, supported by an already existing network of infrastructure. The project, which will link Algeria, Niger and Nigeria, is based on bilateral and multilateral agreements. The latter made it possible to formalize clear institutional commitments between the three countries, and the agreement protocol signed in 2022 between these nations strengthened the impetus of the project. The gas pipeline benefits from the experience of Algeria and Nigeria in the management of energy infrastructure, with a network of already operational gas pipelines and well -established compression and transit installations.
The Algerian government has also taken care to integrate a strategic dimension into the project. Indeed, Algeria has the capacity to export directly to Europe thanks to its terminals in the Mediterranean, which ensures increased and rapid profitability of the gas pipeline. Added to this is the continuous support of the Algerian authorities, who place this project as a priority of their energy and economic policy. These elements make trans -Saharan gas pipeline a project which presents a much more advanced degree of maturity than that of Morocco.
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Moroccan transatlantic gas pipeline, promises but few achievements
Morocco, on the other hand, continues communication around its transatlantic gas pipeline, an ambitious project supposed to connect Nigeria to Europe via West Africa. However, several factors complicate the realization of this project. First of all, the final investment decision was postponed, initially scheduled for the second quarter of 2025, it was postponed in early 2026. This period shows the difficulties faced by Morocco to bring together the necessary funding and obtain the commitments of European actors.
In addition, the Moroccan gas pipeline must cross thirteen countries, which poses problems of legal, political and logistical harmonization. Each country crossed has specific regulations, and some of them encounter internal tensions or geopolitical challenges. These challenges complicate the implementation of the project, which does not escape international investors. In the absence of solid guarantees on financing and a clear operational plan, the Transatlantic project of Morocco remains a risky bet.
Algeria on the fast track, Morocco in the dead end
Currently, the gap between the two projects seems to be widening. The trans -Saharan gas pipeline, although in construction, benefits from solid bases: a clear roadmap, institutional agreements which ensure its continuity and a network of infrastructure already in place. On the other hand, the Moroccan project seems to slow down. The lack of guaranteed funding, political uncertainties and the complexity of the pipeline layout through several countries are hampering the project.
Algeria capitalizes on its experience and network of existing gas pipelines, in parallel with a regional cooperation policy with its neighbors in Niger and Nigeria. These assets allow Algeria to offer a more stable and viable solution to investors, while Morocco still has to overcome many obstacles to convince European partners of the feasibility of its project.
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The geopolitical dimension of energy competition
The war of gas pipelines between Algeria and Morocco goes beyond the economic framework. The two countries also compete on the geopolitical ground. Algeria, with its trans -Saharan gas pipeline, strengthens its position on the European energy scene, where the demand for diversification of gas supplies is increasingly strong. The Algerian project, with its direct access to Italy and Spain, is therefore particularly strategic for Europe, especially in the current context of energy transition.
On the other hand, the Moroccan transatlantic gas pipeline, although ambitious, remains a project difficult to implement due to the fragmentation of regulations in the countries crossed and the uncertainty which surrounds its viability. This situation puts Morocco in the position of delay in the face of its Algerian neighbor, whose project is increasingly appearing as a reliable alternative for European buyers.
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