Senegal - Mauritania: The challenges of the second phase of the GTA gas field

Senegalese Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko arrives in Mauritania tomorrow for a three-day working and friendship visit, marking an important stage in bilateral relations between the two countries. This visit takes place against a backdrop of strategic development, notably with the recent launch of gas production in the first phase of the Grand Tortue Ahmeyim (GTA) field, located on the maritime border between Mauritania and Senegal.

At the heart of the discussions between the two parties will be the second phase of development of the GTA field, which is currently being negotiated with the international partners, notably BP and Kosmos Energy. The parties are aiming to remove the final technical and financial hurdles to speed up the launch of this crucial phase, which should maximise the revenues from this cross-border project.

This collaboration, which illustrates the shared desire of Mauritania and Senegal to make the most of their natural resources to promote economic development, should also consolidate their position on the international energy scene.

The first phase of the GTA field will produce 2.3 million tonnes of liquefied natural gas (LNG) a year. With the second and third phases, the aim is to reach 10 million tonnes per year, a fourfold increase in production. Such a step forward would considerably strengthen energy cooperation between the two countries and their role as major players in the African gas market.

As negotiations continue with technical and financial partners, both governments are determined to overcome the infrastructure and logistics challenges that are essential to the success of the next phases. This ambition reflects a shared vision of sustainable development and joint economic prosperity.

The Senegalese Prime Minister's visit is therefore a key opportunity to consolidate relations between Nouakchott and Dakar, while laying the foundations for strengthened and sustainable energy cooperation. A further step towards greater regional integration, driven by the natural wealth and strategic partnership between the two nations.