The International Gas Union (IGU) has called for deeper regional cooperation, accelerated cross-border gas infrastructure development, and harmonised regulatory frameworks across West Africa, warning that fragmented energy markets could undermine the region’s ability to capitalise on growing global demand for natural gas.

The call was made by the IGU Regional Coordinator for Africa, Akachukwu Nwokedi, during the opening keynote address at the 2026 West Africa Gas Summit (WAGS 2026) in Accra, Ghana, where he represented the President of the International Gas Union, Andrea Stegher.

Addressing policymakers, regulators and industry leaders from across the region, Nwokedi said the global energy landscape is undergoing a significant transformation, driven by geopolitical shifts, supply chain realignments, resource competition and increasing concerns over energy security.

According to him, recent developments in the Middle East and tensions around the Strait of Hormuz have further elevated Africa’s strategic importance in global gas markets, creating fresh opportunities for the continent to position itself as a reliable alternative gas supplier.

However, he cautioned that African countries must move beyond isolated national approaches and embrace regional integration if they are to fully harness their gas resources and strengthen economic resilience.

“In this environment, regional strength becomes a strategic necessity for energy security. No single country, regardless of its resource endowment, can independently unlock the full potential of its gas sector. But together, through coordinated policies, shared infrastructure and integrated markets, West African countries can build the scale and resilience required to compete effectively in a rapidly evolving global energy system,” he said.

He added that energy security increasingly underpins the region’s economic sovereignty, highlighting why gas remains critical. Nwokedi stressed that natural gas should not be viewed solely as an export commodity but as a catalyst for industrialisation, economic diversification and sustainable development across Africa.

He noted that gas remains essential for electricity generation, manufacturing growth, petrochemical development and cleaner domestic energy solutions that can reduce dependence on traditional biomass fuels.

“Natural gas has a central role to play in Africa’s transformation. Across the region, the sustainable development of gas resources is closely linked to aspirations for industrialisation, energy security and economic diversification,” he said.

According to the IGU official, while Africa possesses the natural resources required to support long-term economic growth, unlocking that potential will require stronger regional cooperation, improved project execution and a careful balance between export ambitions and domestic energy needs.

He identified inadequate infrastructure as one of the biggest barriers to the development of Africa’s gas sector, particularly in transportation, storage and distribution networks.

Drawing attention to existing regional projects, Nwokedi described the West African Gas Pipeline (WAGP) as one of the most significant examples of successful cross-border energy infrastructure capable of strengthening regional integration and energy security. He also pointed to renewed momentum around the Trans-Saharan Gas Pipeline as evidence of increasing regional collaboration, although significant challenges remain.

To address these challenges, the IGU outlined several priorities, including the harmonisation of regulatory and fiscal frameworks, alignment of national energy strategies, coordinated regional infrastructure planning, greater certainty and transparency for investors, stronger public–private partnerships, and deliberate policies that balance export readiness with domestic gas utilisation.

The organisation also advocated innovative approaches to expanding gas access, highlighting opportunities in small-scale liquefied natural gas (LNG), virtual pipeline solutions, gas-to-power projects, gas-to-industry initiatives, digitalisation of energy systems and the development of integrated regional gas markets.

Nwokedi said the IGU would continue working with gas associations and stakeholders across the continent to advance knowledge-sharing, technical capacity development, policy dialogue and international partnerships aimed at accelerating gas sector growth.

He urged governments, investors and industry leaders to move beyond discussions and focus on implementation.

“Africa stands today at a pivotal moment in its energy journey, and recent global events have provided an opportunity to reposition. The continent possesses abundant natural gas resources. Its population and industrial demand are expanding rapidly, and institutions and platforms are emerging to support deeper regional cooperation.

“If I leave you with one message, it is that energy security means economic sovereignty.

This can be achieved through sustained regional market integration, a balance between export and domestic capacity as a foundation for industrial growth, underpinned by strong, market-oriented regulatory institutions and policies,” he said.