The Rise of North Africa as a Global Energy Force to be Highlight at AEW
When it comes to the global energy conversation, North Africa is no longer just a supporting player. It’s stepping confidently into the spotlight, backed by vast reserves, innovative strategies, and eye-watering investment figures.
At the upcoming African Energy Week (AEW) 2025: Invest in African Energies in Cape Town, the region’s energy ambitions will take centre stage, offering a deep dive into the deals, projects, and partnerships shaping the future of oil, gas, hydrogen and renewables.
Algeria – The Heavyweight with Hydrogen Dreams
Algeria’s not just doubling down on traditional resources—it’s rewriting the energy playbook. With a $50 billion investment package earmarked through 2027, the country’s energy sector is gearing up for a massive production uplift.
Flagship fields like Hassi R’Mel are in the spotlight, with a target of 200 billion cubic metres of gas annually and 1.2 million barrels of oil per day by 2025.
This isn’t just big talk. International oil companies are flooding in:
- ExxonMobil and Chevron are eyeing opportunities in the Ahnet, Gourara and Berkine basins.
- TotalEnergies is ramping up appraisal work in Timimoun.
- Eni and Equinor are breathing new life into In Salah and In Amenas.
- Sinopec is pushing the envelope on complex reservoir development and local talent training.
But here’s where it gets even more interesting. Algeria’s green hydrogen ambitions are taking shape via the SoutH2 Corridor—a transformative initiative that will transport green hydrogen to Europe using repurposed natural gas pipelines. With strategic geography and boundless sunshine, Algeria could soon be fuelling Europe’s clean energy pivot.
Egypt – Gearing Up as a Gas Giant
Egypt has firmly placed itself on the map as a Mediterranean gas powerhouse. The country’s upstream portfolio is buzzing with activity, including 13 new E&P blocks opened for bidding across the Mediterranean and Nile Delta.
Fuelled by investment from the likes of bp, Eni, and ExxonMobil, Egypt is moving fast:
- Seven exploratory wells and five development projects are active for FY 2024/25.
- Eni is set to drill two development wells at the famed Zohr gas field, once the source of nearly 40% of Egypt’s gas.
- The Egyptian Natural Gas Holding Company is investing $434 million in new exploration.
What’s the bigger picture? Egypt is positioning itself not only as a top African producer but as a key export hub serving Europe and beyond. With infrastructure in place and political will on its side, Cairo’s energy sector is open for business.
Morocco – Gas Gateway and Renewable Pioneer
Sitting at the crossroads of Africa and Europe, Morocco is building a name as both a gas transit hub and a clean energy frontrunner. At the heart of this ambition is the Nigeria-Morocco Gas Pipeline—a colossal 5,600-km project that aims to deliver natural gas to over a dozen West and North African nations.
That’s just the start. Morocco is making waves in renewables:
- $32.5 billion is being poured into six green hydrogen projects.
- Another $3 billion is planned for grid modernisation by 2030.
- The country aims to generate 52% of its electricity from renewables by the end of the decade.
Home to one of the world’s largest concentrated solar plants, the Noor Ouarzazate Solar Complex. Morocco is proving that clean energy can go hand-in-hand with economic development, making this is fertile ground for green innovation.
Libya – A Comeback Story in the Making
After years of instability, Libya is charting a course toward energy stability and growth. The National Oil Corporation (NOC) is actively pursuing 45 upstream projects, including both greenfield and brownfield developments, and has ambitious plans to raise output to 2 million barrels per day.
New licensing is also on the cards, with 22 offshore and onshore blocks soon up for grabs. But it’s not just oil—Libya’s gas sector is heating up too:
- The Structures A&E Project will enhance domestic gas supply and boost exports to Europe.
- The Bouri Gas Utilisation Project is set to cut CO2 emissions by 1.5 million tonnes annually by recovering hydrocarbons from flared gas.
Libya’s revival might be tentative, but the opportunities are very real. As infrastructure stabilises and investor confidence returns, Libya could well become one of North Africa’s most dynamic energy markets.
Why AEW 2025 Matters
African Energy Week isn’t just another conference—it’s the deal-signing capital of African energy. This year, the spotlight is firmly on North Africa, as global players flock to Cape Town to engage with policy-makers, project developers, and financiers.
“As North Africa’s energy sector continues to evolve, AEW 2025: Invest in African Energies will spotlight the region’s growing importance in the global energy mix,” says Ore Onagbesan, Programme Director for African Energy Week. “With vast natural resources, ongoing infrastructure developments and ambitious renewable energy targets, North Africa is poised to play a central role in shaping the future of global energy while pioneering a balanced fossil fuel and renewable development strategy for the world.”
AEW has become the go-to platform for:
- Government-to-investor dealmaking
- Showcasing bankable energy projects
- Facilitating new partnerships in oil, gas, and renewables
A Region on the Rise
North Africa’s energy evolution isn’t just about numbers or barrels—it’s about vision. With Algeria championing hydrogen, Egypt expanding gas frontiers, Morocco leading the clean energy charge, and Libya bouncing back stronger, the region is laying down a blueprint for sustainable and profitable growth.
The takeaway? Investors looking for long-term gains and governments aiming to secure clean, reliable energy have every reason to pay close attention to North Africa.
