Casablanca – Morocco and Nigeria are moving closer to a major milestone in the development of the Atlantic African Gas Pipeline, a strategic infrastructure project designed to connect Nigerian natural gas reserves to West African countries, Morocco, and ultimately European markets.

The two countries are expected to sign an intergovernmental agreement during the fourth quarter of 2026, a step that would establish the legal and institutional framework needed to launch the implementation phase of the project. The agreement is expected to be signed by King Mohammed VI and Bola Tinubu after the completion of key technical studies and years of diplomatic coordination.

The planned accord was discussed during recent talks between the foreign ministers of Morocco and Nigeria, who reviewed bilateral cooperation and reaffirmed their commitment to accelerating a project widely viewed as one of the most ambitious energy initiatives ever proposed in Africa.

A 6,900-kilometer energy corridor

The Atlantic African Gas Pipeline is expected to extend approximately 6,900 kilometers through a combination of offshore and onshore infrastructure running along Africa’s Atlantic coast.

The project is estimated to require an investment of around $25 billion and is designed to transport up to 30 billion cubic meters of natural gas each year.

According to official project data, approximately 15 billion cubic meters annually would be used to meet Morocco’s domestic energy demand and to support gas exports to Europe. The remaining capacity would be allocated to countries along the route, helping to expand access to cleaner energy and strengthen electricity generation and industrial development.

The pipeline is expected to pass through more than a dozen West African countries, making it not only an energy project but also a large-scale initiative for regional integration and economic cooperation.

Technical studies and implementation structure

The project has reached an advanced preparatory stage following the completion of feasibility studies and front-end engineering design work.

After the intergovernmental agreement is signed, participating countries are expected to establish a governance structure in Nigeria to coordinate implementation. Representatives from the countries involved will oversee strategic decisions and monitor progress.

A dedicated project company is also expected to be established in Morocco through a partnership between the National Office of Hydrocarbons and Mines and the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited. This company will supervise financing, construction, and operational planning.

First gas deliveries targeted for 2031

The first phase of gas deliveries is expected to begin in 2031 if construction proceeds according to schedule.

To facilitate implementation, the project will be developed in phases, with each segment financed and built separately. This approach is intended to provide greater flexibility and reduce the technical and financial risks associated with a large transcontinental undertaking.

The phased structure may also make it easier to attract financing from development institutions, export credit agencies, and private investors.

Strategic importance for Africa

The Atlantic African Gas Pipeline is expected to play a major role in strengthening energy security and economic development across the continent.

Countries along the route could benefit from direct access to natural gas, transit revenues, job creation, and industrial investment. Expanded gas availability may support sectors such as electricity generation, manufacturing, and fertilizer production.

For Morocco, the project aligns with the country’s strategy to position itself as a regional energy hub connecting Africa and Europe.

For Nigeria, which holds some of the world’s largest natural gas reserves, the pipeline offers an opportunity to diversify export routes and increase the commercial value of its energy resources.

Growing European interest

European countries are also expected to benefit as they seek to diversify natural gas supplies and reduce dependence on geopolitically sensitive sources.

Once connected to Morocco’s existing gas infrastructure, the pipeline could provide Europe with an additional long-term supply route from African producers.

This dimension has increased the project’s geopolitical significance and strengthened international interest in its successful completion.

Cooperation beyond energy

The partnership between Morocco and Nigeria extends beyond the gas sector.

Recent bilateral discussions also covered opportunities to expand cooperation in fertilizer production and distribution, a sector considered critical to improving food security across Africa.

The two countries emphasized the importance of reactivating the Morocco–Nigeria Business Council to encourage trade and investment and to leverage opportunities created by the African Continental Free Trade Area and an existing bilateral agreement to avoid double taxation.

A long-term vision for continental integration

Originally proposed nearly a decade ago, the Atlantic African Gas Pipeline has evolved into a flagship initiative for African economic and energy integration.

If the intergovernmental agreement is signed as planned later this year, it will mark one of the most important milestones in the project’s development.

Once operational, the pipeline could reshape regional energy flows, improve access to natural gas across West and North Africa, and strengthen trade and investment ties between Africa and Europe.