Morocco to launch the first tenders for the African Gas Pipeline (AAGP) in 2025

Morocco is reinforcing its commitment to continental energy development with the announcement that the first tenders will be launched for the construction of the first phase of the African Atlantic Gas Pipeline (AAGP) from 2025. This major project, which is part of the 2025 Action Plan of the Office national des hydrocarbures et des mines (ONHYM), aims to position the Kingdom as a key player in African and European energy integration, according to the Asharq Bloomberg portal.

A $26 billion mega-project

With a total estimated cost of $26 billion, the AAGP is an ambitious extension of the Morocco-Nigeria gas pipeline ($25 billion) along a 5,669-kilometre route, combined with the 678-kilometre West African gas pipeline ($975 million).

This strategic pipeline will link Nigeria to Morocco, crossing 13 coastal countries in West Africa, to connect with the Maghreb-Europe Gas Pipeline and the entire European gas network. As well as serving the coastal countries, it will supply three landlocked nations - Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger - helping them to gain access to affordable, reliable energy.

An initial phase focusing on Morocco, Mauritania and Senegal

The first phase of the project will focus on the sections crossing Morocco, Mauritania and Senegal, three countries that are expected to sign additional agreements to transport gas in 2024. A private company will be set up to oversee the construction, operation and maintenance of the pipeline, ensuring efficient and sustainable management of this major infrastructure.

According to forecasts, this pipeline will have an annual capacity of 30 to 40 billion cubic metres of gas, supplying energy to around 400 million people in 16 countries and enabling 18 billion cubic metres to be exported to Europe each year.

Validation of the intergovernmental agreement

The announcement of these invitations to tender comes shortly after the adoption of the Intergovernmental Agreement (IGA) by the Energy Ministers of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), Morocco and Mauritania in Abuja in early November. This agreement, which represents a decisive step for the project, will shortly be submitted to the Heads of State of the countries concerned for signature.

This legal framework is essential to guarantee harmonious cooperation between the nations involved, by defining the rules for transit, management and sharing the benefits of the gas pipeline.

Technical studies in progress

To prepare for the implementation of this project, Morocco has already launched preliminary studies. Last May, the Moroccan firm Etafat announced the start of topographical, geophysical and geotechnical studies on the northern segment of the gas pipeline, covering Morocco, Mauritania and Senegal. These investigations, which will run until spring 2025, are aimed at optimising the route and assessing the technical conditions required for construction.

An energy ambition for Africa and Europe

The African-Atlantic Pipeline is much more than energy infrastructure: it embodies a vision of pan-African cooperation and intercontinental synergy. By facilitating access to clean, affordable energy, this project will help to strengthen energy security in African and European countries, stimulate economic development through industrialisation and job creation, reduce energy poverty in rural and landlocked areas, and promote the energy transition by integrating natural gas as an alternative to more polluting energy sources.

With the imminent launch of the calls for tender and the mobilisation of regional and international partners, Morocco is demonstrating its leadership in energy integration. This flagship project, which will link the heart of Africa to Europe, symbolises a new era of economic cooperation and sustainable development, in which Morocco is positioning itself as a strategic bridge between continents. The AAGP could thus become a model for regional initiatives aimed at transforming natural resources into a driving force for shared progress.