Africa strengthens global gas leadership as Philip Mshelbila becomes GECF Secretary General

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Philip Mshelbila,CEO of Nigeria LNG Limited,has been appointed Secretary General of the Gas Exporting Countries Forum (GECF),succeeding Mohamed Hamel,who guided the organization through a period of significant growth. Mshelbila’s appointment underscores Africa’s rising influence in global energy discussions and reinforces the continent’s position in promoting natural gas as a key driver of sustainable development. The GECF,which unites major gas producers to promote dialogue and enhance global energy security,now has an African leader steering its agenda. This transition strengthens the continent’s ability to influence international energy policies and align them with Africa’s economic and development objectives.

The African Energy Chamber (AEC) hailed the appointment as a historic milestone for African representation in global energy governance. NJ Ayuk,Executive Chairman of the AEC,said: “With African leadership at the helm of the GECF,we have the opportunity to shape global gas dialogue,promote fair investment,and position our resource as a cornerstone of global energy security. We thank outgoing Secretary General Hamel,who welcomed Mauritania,Mozambique,Angola,and Senegal into the global gas family and championed the fight against energy poverty.”

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Africa’s gas production landscape is diverse,combining established markets like Nigeria,Libya,and Algeria with emerging producers including Senegal,Mauritania,and the Republic of Congo. In Nigeria,Mshelbila’s appointment coincides with expansion plans for Nigeria LNG,which will increase production from 22 million tons per year to 30 million with the launch of the seventh LNG train in 2025. Angola is advancing its first non-associated gas project,led by the New Gas Consortium,feeding the Angola LNG plant and expected to come online in late 2025. Algeria and Libya are boosting production to meet rising European demand,with Algeria aiming for 200 billion cubic meters by 2030 and Libya developing multiple projects including Structures A and E.

New LNG developments across Africa are accelerating the continent’s energy ambitions. The Greater Tortue Ahmeyim project on the Senegal-Mauritania maritime border started production in 2025,with a first phase of 2.3 mtpa and a second phase doubling capacity. Mozambique is advancing multiple LNG projects in the Rovuma Basin,including Coral Sul,Mozambique LNG,Rovuma LNG,and Coral North,the latter reaching a final investment decision (FID) in 2025. The Republic of Congo joined African LNG producers with Congo LNG,which began output in 2024 and is set for expansion in 2025.

New energy frontiers are also emerging in southern and eastern Africa. Zimbabwe is exploring its first natural gas reserves in the Cabora Bassa Basin,while Tanzania is developing a $42-billion LNG terminal in Lindi,unlocking over 57 trillion cubic feet of gas reserves. These developments highlight Africa’s strategic shift toward gas as a catalyst for industrialization,electricity generation,and sustainable economic growth. Under Mshelbila’s leadership,African gas producers are poised to strengthen their influence on the global energy stage and solidify the continent’s role as a key provider of secure,reliable energy.