West Africa aiming for global supplier status
The region is making headway despite some output disruptions
Despite ongoing conflict throughout West Africa, the region's energy sector continues to make progress toward becoming a leading global oil and gas supplier. According to GlobalData, nearly $194bn will be spent on African oil and gas fields between 2018 and 2025. Nigeria has struggled for years to resist the threat from militant groups. The attacks are impeding the country's efforts to expand exploration outside the Niger River Delta, in the hope of finding new crude reserves. The threat of violence from several militant groups persists. The Niger Delta Avengers has in the past issued reported threats to Total's Egina oil field, which was scheduled for start-up in 2018. The ultra-deep-water
Also in this section
23 January 2026
A strategic pivot away from Russian crude in recent weeks tees up the possibility of improved US-India trade relations
23 January 2026
The signing of a deal with a TotalEnergies-led consortium to explore for gas in a block adjoining Israel’s maritime area may breathe new life into the country’s gas ambitions
22 January 2026
As Saudi Arabia pushes mining as a new pillar of its economy, Saudi Aramco is positioning itself at the intersection of hydrocarbons, minerals and industrial policy
22 January 2026
New long-term deal is latest addition to country’s rapidly evolving supply portfolio as it eyes role as regional gas hub
