The African-Atlantic Gas Pipeline, linking Nigeria to Morocco, is gradually emerging as a major project thanks to decisive advances. Pilot of this initiative on the Moroccan side, Amina Benkhadra, general director of ONHYM, is increasing public interventions, thus marking the rise of this strategic project.
In a recent interview with the Policy Center for the New South, broadcast on YouTube, Benkhadra confirmed that the project has reached several critical milestones: “The two-phase feasibility and detailed engineering studies are now complete. »
Environmental impact studies, essential for the financial package and compliance with donor requirements, have been underway for a year. The gas pipeline, with a length of more than 5,500 kilometers, will mainly follow an offshore route to Dakhla before running along the Moroccan Atlantic coast onshore to connect to the Maghreb-Europe gas pipeline.
A profitable and competitive project
According to Benkhadra, the data collected demonstrates the profitability and competitiveness of the project, particularly in comparison to liquefied natural gas in terms of cost, capacity and transportation. This project, which involves ECOWAS, Mauritania and landlocked Sahel countries, benefits from reinforced regional cooperation. The intergovernmental agreement, a key milestone, will soon be signed by the heads of state concerned.
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Heading towards 2025 for the final investment decision
The final investment decision is expected in early 2025. It will be supported by financial and legal advice, while tenders will be refined. The project, designed in phases with the help of specialized firms, includes three major sections:
Southern section: Extension of the current gas pipeline linking Nigeria to Ghana to Ivory Coast.
Northern section: Coverage of Senegal, Mauritania and Morocco, with a connection to the Maghreb-Europe gas pipeline to supply Europe.
Central connection: Connection of intermediate segments.
A lever for regional development
An initiative driven by the strategic vision of His Majesty King Mohammed VI and former Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari, this gas pipeline will help improve access to energy in the countries it passes through, some of which have an electrification rate lower than 40%. It will also stimulate various economic sectors, creating jobs and wealth.
Despite the challenges, Amina Benkhadra remains optimistic: “Many challenges have been overcome, others remain to come. We will continue our efforts to realize this exciting strategic project and be there. »
