West Africa Deepens Push for Regional Gas Integration

West African countries are intensifying efforts to strengthen regional integration in the natural gas sector, with renewed calls for expanded cross-border infrastructure to enhance energy security, reduce electricity generation costs and accelerate economic growth across the sub-region.

The move was highlighted at the 2026 West Africa Gas Summit held in Accra, where policymakers, industry players and energy experts underscored the need for closer cooperation in developing shared gas resources and infrastructure.

Ghana’s Deputy Minister for Energy and Green Transition, Richard Gyan-Mensah, stressed that regional collaboration remains central to unlocking the full economic value of West Africa’s gas reserves. He pointed to existing infrastructure such as the West African Gas Pipeline as evidence that cross-border energy projects can deliver tangible benefits when effectively managed.

“The more integrated our markets are, the more resilient and appealing they become,” Mr. Gyan-Mensah said.

He noted that natural gas continues to play a vital role in supporting industrial development, manufacturing activity and electricity generation across the region. In Ghana, he said domestic gas production currently supplies about 80 per cent of the natural gas used for power generation and industrial purposes, helping to reduce dependence on costlier liquid fuels.

According to him, gas also accounts for roughly 80 per cent of Ghana’s power generation fuel mix, making it a key driver of electricity cost stability. However, he cautioned that periodic supply constraints often compel power producers to rely on liquid fuels, which significantly increases generation costs and places pressure on the wider economy.

Industry stakeholders at the summit argued that scaling up regional gas infrastructure will require substantial investment from a combination of private sector actors, development finance institutions and long-term strategic investors. They noted that financing remains a critical barrier to expanding the network of pipelines and processing facilities needed to support a fully integrated market.

Energy expert Tsatsu Tsikata emphasised that beyond infrastructure, robust commercial frameworks would be essential to sustain regional gas trade. He highlighted the importance of secure payment systems and dependable supply arrangements in building investor confidence and ensuring the viability of future projects.

Participants further observed that rising electricity demand across West Africa, driven by industrial expansion, mineral processing activities and growing digital infrastructure, is increasing pressure on existing energy systems. They stressed that sustained regional cooperation and long-term investment in gas infrastructure will be critical to meeting future demand and supporting economic transformation in the sub-region.