Africa CEO Forum 2026: Amina Benkhadra Highlights the Strategic Role of the Nigeria-Morocco Gas Pipeline in African Integration
At the occasion of the Africa CEO Forum 2026, the Director General of the National Office of Hydrocarbons and Mines (ONHYM), Amina Benkhadra, highlighted the vital role of the Nigeria-Morocco gas pipeline project in the economic and energy integration dynamic of the African continent.
This mega energy project, also known as the African Atlantic Pipeline, is presented as a major transformation lever for African economies, fostering regional cooperation and access to more competitive and sustainable energy.
An Energy Project Restructuring the Continent
Stretching nearly 6,900 kilometers and linking Nigeria to Morocco through several West African countries, the pipeline aims to enhance regional energy security while supporting industrialization processes.
According to estimates, this infrastructure is expected to transport significant volumes of natural gas, part of which will be destined for local consumption in the countries it traverses, while another part will be directed towards export.
An Accelerator of Industrialization and Regional Integration
For Amina Benkhadra, this project goes far beyond the energy dimension. It serves as a true tool for African integration, capable of stimulating several strategic sectors such as:
- mining industries
- fertilizer production
- petrochemicals
- cement
- aluminum
Access to gas is expected to promote the local processing of natural resources, reducing reliance on raw exports and enhancing added value on the continent.
Anticipated Economic and Social Impact
The gas pipeline is also seen as a lever for economic and social development. It could contribute to job creation, infrastructure development, and improved energy access in several regions that are still underserved.
In the long term, the project also aims to support industrialization and facilitate the energy transition in Africa.
An Expanded Geopolitical and Energy Dimension
Beyond the African continent, the project could also enhance the energy security of international partners, particularly in Europe, by diversifying sources of gas supply.
This infrastructure thus aligns with a broader vision where Africa becomes a central player in global energy balances.
A Vision for Continental Integration
Through this mega project, the Nigeria-Morocco gas pipeline establishes itself as a strategic infrastructure serving a broader ambition: that of a more integrated, interconnected Africa capable of valuing its resources for economic and social development.
