Mauritania makes its mark as a producer of Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG)

Mauritania is about to mark a decisive turning point in its energy history. In an exclusive interview with CNN on Friday, the Minister of Energy and Petroleum, Mohamed Ould Khaled, announced that exports of liquefied natural gas (LNG) from the Grand Tortue Ahmeyim (GTA) field, shared with Senegal, will begin tomorrow. This first cargo positions Mauritania among the world's LNG exporting nations, a step the minister described as historic.

"This is a landmark moment when Mauritania officially joins the ranks of LNG exporters. Tomorrow, we will ship our first cargo of gas to international markets," said Mr Ould Khaled. Located off the coast of Mauritania and Senegal, the GTA project, developed in partnership with BP and Kosmos Energy, represents a major success for both countries. The Minister praised the involvement of these partners, underlining their key role in bringing this ambitious initiative to fruition.

The GTA project, one of the largest offshore gas fields in West Africa, illustrates the close collaboration between Mauritania and Senegal. "We are proud to be laying the foundations for a major LNG hub in the region", said the Minister. This cooperation, he said, had been decisive in bringing this strategic step to a successful conclusion, strengthening the ties between the two nations and their collective position on the world energy stage.

Mohamed Ould Khaled also spoke about future prospects, in particular the Birallah field, considered to be one of the largest in the region. "Birallah offers a unique opportunity to develop new partnerships and increase our gas production", he explained. This project, which is still in the exploration phase, could further consolidate Mauritania's stature as a key player in the global energy sector.

Mauritania's entry into the circle of LNG exporters is part of a wider strategy to optimise its natural resources. The success of the GTA project demonstrates the country's commitment to transforming its energy potential into an engine for economic growth. By becoming a reliable supplier of LNG, Mauritania is not only responding to the growing global demand for clean energy, but is also strengthening its strategic position in West Africa.

"This achievement is just the beginning," concluded the Minister. "With our partners and thanks to our resources, we are building a future in which Mauritania will play a central role in the world's energy supply. This first export, scheduled for tomorrow, marks the start of a new era for the country and the region, driven by an ambitious and collaborative vision.