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At their last meeting in Abuja, ECOWAS member states approved the intergovernmental agreement that sets out the legal and technical bases of the Nigeria-Morocco gas pipeline project, now called the “Africa Atlantic Gas Pipeline.”
A major milestone for the energy future of West Africa and beyond has been reached by the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), which has adopted the official name of the Nigeria-Morocco gas pipeline project, which will now be called the “Africa Atlantic Gas Pipeline” (AAGP). This major project transcends national borders to unite 13 countries on the Atlantic coast and 3 non-Atlantic countries, thus strengthening the economic and energy integration of the continent.
The Africa Atlantic Gas Pipeline is part of this global vision, while aligning with Morocco’s new “Royal Atlantic Initiative”, designed to bring greater prosperity, growth and security to the African continent.At the ECOWAS Conference held in Abuja, Nigeria, on 16 December, Member States approved the intergovernmental agreement setting out the project’s legal and technical bases. They also requested that an official signing ceremony be held before June 2025, marking a new step in the realisation of this infrastructure.
The Africa Atlantic Gas Pipeline aims to meet the dual challenge of energy security and industrialization in the ECOWAS region. It will allow the transport of abundant and underexploited Nigerian gas to Morocco, while supplying the countries it crosses. Through this initiative, West Africa aims to reduce its dependence on imported fossil fuels and develop local processing and distribution capacities.
With 13 countries on the Atlantic coast—including Benin, Togo, Ghana, Côte d’Ivoire, and Senegal—and 3 non-Atlantic countries involved, such as Mali and Burkina Faso, the PGAA is establishing itself as a key infrastructure for economic and social development. Its more than 5,600 km route will create a real energy and economic artery connecting regions with growing energy needs.
The ambitions of the gas pipeline go beyond energy supply. It constitutes a lever to attract massive investments, promote job creation, and strengthen local infrastructures. The countries crossed will be able to benefit directly from the gas to electrify rural areas, stimulate their industrialisation, and improve their competitiveness.
Mobilizing the necessary funds remains a priority. The ECOWAS Conference called on development partners and the private sector to play an active role in accelerating the project. The overall cost is estimated at several billion dollars, a colossal sum but justified by the anticipated economic and strategic benefits.
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Several institutions, such as the African Development Bank (AfDB) and the World Bank, have already expressed interest. The involvement of the private sector, including oil majors and sovereign wealth funds, is also essential to ensure the economic viability of the project. The Africa Atlantic Gas Pipeline embodies an ambitious vision of regional integration. Beyond energy, it represents a symbol of unification and cooperation between African countries. This project could also catalyze other regional initiatives, particularly in the areas of transport, telecommunications and agricultural infrastructure. By establishing common infrastructure and fostering economic partnerships, the PGAA bridges energy and social divides. It unites African nations around a shared goal: to realize their economic potential and secure a sustainable future for their people.
