Chinese steel giant Jingye Group is set to play a central role in the monumental Nigeria-Morocco gas pipeline project, according to media sources. This strategic infrastructure, estimated at $26 billion, aims to transform the energy and economic landscape of West Africa, while strengthening energy connections between the continent and Europe.
The Jingye Group has confirmed its involvement in the project, pledging to supply high-quality steel products. Zhang Yuanyuan, vice-director of Jingye's international marketing department, said the collaboration draws on the group's industrial expertise and the capabilities of its UK subsidiary, Jingye British Steel, acquired in 2020.
Jingye British Steel has already demonstrated its expertise by participating in prestigious projects such as Beijing Daxing Airport and the Crossrail project in the UK. This experience will be put to good use in meeting the technical challenges of the pipeline, particularly in the design and construction phases of the steel infrastructure.
The Nigeria-Morocco gas pipeline, backed by financial institutions such as the Islamic Development Bank and the OPEC Fund, promises to have a significant impact on the region. By linking more than 13 countries on Africa's Atlantic coast to Morocco and Europe, the project aims to :
- Improving access to natural gas for participating African countries.
- Stimulate regional economic growth by attracting massive investment.
- Strengthening sustainable energy infrastructures.
Tenders for the Moroccan sections of the pipeline are scheduled for 2025, marking a key stage in the implementation of the first phase of the project, which will cover Morocco, Mauritania and Senegal.
Based in China's Hebei province, the Jingye Group produces around 15 million tonnes of steel a year and exports to more than 80 countries. With annual sales of $13 billion and more than 23,500 employees, Jingye is recognised as a leading player in the global steel industry.
Its achievements include emblematic projects such as the Brunei Transoceanic Bridge and the Shijiazhuang metro. Since its acquisition of British Steel, Jingye has invested heavily in modernising its infrastructure, incorporating environmentally-friendly technological innovations.
Jingye's involvement in the Nigeria-Morocco gas pipeline project reflects its ambition to become a world leader in steel while supporting sustainable initiatives. The company is focusing on greener solutions to meet the environmental challenges facing the steel industry.
By joining this strategic project, Jingye is contributing to a transformative energy development that will benefit not only Africa, but also Europe, which is seeking to diversify its sources of energy supply.
The Nigeria-Morocco gas pipeline embodies an ambitious vision for the energy integration of Africa and its interconnection with Europe. Thanks to partners like Jingye Group, this project is becoming a tangible reality, with the potential to reshape the economic and energy dynamics of several regions.
With this initiative, the African continent is confirming its key role in the global energy transition, while offering unprecedented opportunities for growth and international cooperation.
