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Long-Term Sales Contracts Could Be Key to Senegal’s, Mauritania’s Natural Gas Success (By NJ Ayuk)

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4 years ago

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natural gas

The deal calls for Kosmos to provide 2.45 million tonnes per annum (mtpa) of LNG for an initial term of up to 20 years

JOHANNESBURG, South Africa, July 25, 2022/APO Group/ — 

By NJ Ayuk, Executive Chairman, African Energy Chamber (www.EnergyChamber.org)

In 2020, rich natural gas resources offshore Mauritania and Senegal were the subject of the biggest long-term liquefied natural gas (LNG) contract signed that year.

The agreement between American oil firm Kosmos Energy, its partners, and BP Gas Marketing Limited, was for LNG from Phase 1 of the Greater Tortue Ahmeyim project, offshore Mauritania and Senegal. The deal calls for Kosmos to provide 2.45 million tonnes per annum (mtpa) of LNG for an initial term of up to 20 years. 

The deal was a milestone for the companies and for Senegal and Mauritania.

But frankly, with so many natural gas projects starting up in the two countries, we should be hearing about even more long-term gas sales contracts.

Currently, Kosmos Energy and its partners (BP, Senegal’s state-owned oil company, Petrosen; and Mauritania’s Societe Mauritanienne des Hydrocarbures) have only succeeded in securing sales contracts for Phase 1 volumes of the Greater Tortue Ahmeyim Project. This is despite the fact the project is estimated to have 15 trillion cubic feet of gas production potential, enough for 30 years of production or more.

In another promising BP and Kosmos Energy partnership, the ultra-deepwater Yakaar-Teranga gas field offshore Senegal — holding an estimated 2,739 billion cubic feet of natural gas reserves — only a fraction of Phase 1 volumes have been contracted.

And that’s more than we can say for BP’s BirAllah project in Mauritania, projected to generate 1,642 barrels per day of crude oil and condensate, 277 million cubic feet (Mccfd) per day of natural gas, and 1,304 Mmcfd of liquid natural gas by 2030. As of yet, production from BirAllah remains uncontracted.

I can’t understate the importance of pursuing long-term sales contracts to help set the stage for gas project success. When companies secure decades of LNG purchases, for example, they’re much more likely to line up the investor support they’ll need to produce the natural gas that they’ll eventually be liquifying. Why? Long-term contracts minimize investors’ risks; they know that the revenue that comes in from LNG sales will help cover their investment costs.

Long-term contracts minimize investors’ risks; they know that the revenue that comes in from LNG sales will help cover their investment costs

Natural gas project start-ups are likely to send production levels in Senegal and Mauritania soaring, from practically nothing to 265,000 barrels of oil equivalent per day (boepd) by the end of the 2020s. That momentum is likely to build with production nearly doubling to more than 500,000 boepd by 2035, tripling to 750,000 boepd by 2040, and continuing to rise well into the 2040s.

This represents great promise, both for the oil and gas companies in the region and also for the people of Senegal and Mauritania. The gas these projects generate can create tremendous job and entrepreneurial opportunities. It can meet domestic needs for gas-to-power programs designed to address energy poverty. It can be monetized, and in turn, help fund much-needed infrastructure, from pipelines to ports, with the potential to foster economic growth and diversification. And, it can serve as feedstock for petrochemical and fertilizer plants, which will contribute to industrialization and even more economic growth.

These are all reasons why the African Energy Chamber, in our forthcoming Petroleum Laws – Benchmarking Report for Senegal and Mauritania, urges companies in the region to make securing long-term gas sales contracts a priority. By fostering stable gas project revenues and investor security, long-term agreements will help Senegal and Mauritania fully capitalize on their natural gas resources.

The Time is Right

While Kosmos Energy’s long-term sales agreement with BP Gas Marketing Limited could be called a rarity in 2020 when COVID-19 practically killed demand for oil and gas and forced companies around the globe to put projects on hold, there’s every reason to be optimistic about securing long-term gas sales contracts in 2022. This is particularly true in European markets, which recently made a dramatic shift away from spot transactions (immediate or near-term sales with no guarantee of additional transactions going forward) for LNG.

That transition began within the last year, when Europeans began feeling the impacts of diminishing natural gas supplies, Irina Slav wrote for Oilprice.com.

“A decline in investments in new gas production, long lead times on liquefaction facilities, and growing pressure on emission reduction collided to result in tight gas supply as demand continued to grow globally,” Slav explained. “Europe, the poster child of the energy transition, was horrified to learn it did not have enough wind and solar generation capacity to replace gas consumption — especially amid low wind speeds and during the less sunny seasons.”

Those circumstances sent demand for long-term gas supplies soaring. And then Russia invaded Ukraine.

“The Russian invasion of Ukraine has had a dramatic impact on long-term LNG contracts,” Wood Mackenzie principal analyst Daniel Toleman said in June. “Many traditional LNG buyers will neither procure spot gas or LNG nor renew or sign additional LNG contracts with Russian sellers. Spot prices have also been high and volatile, pushing many buyers towards long-term contracts. Additionally, some buyers are returning to long-term contracting on behalf of governments to protect national energy security.”

All of these factors are converging to create a window of opportunity for securing long-term gas and LNG contracts, and companies in Senegal and Mauritania should be capitalizing upon it.

Government leaders there are doing their part to help: Both Senegal and Mauritania have worked to offer international oil and gas companies favorable economic terms to operate within their borders, meaning companies can pursue projects with lower capital expenditures.

So, my message to oil and gas companies operating in Senegal and Mauritania is, act now to lock in long-term sales agreements for gas and LNG. Europeans could back their words by signing long-term agreements. Our industry need to act now to put ourselves in the optimum position for attracting investments. Do what it takes to achieve a win-win that could be beneficial for you while setting the stage for local communities, businesses, and individuals to realize a more prosperous future.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Energy Chamber.

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Energy

U.S.-Africa Energy & Minerals Forum Expands to Critical Minerals and Supply Chain Security

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1 day ago

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February 27, 2026

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Africa

This year’s U.S.-Africa Energy & Minerals Forum in Houston signals a strategic shift toward integrated energy and critical minerals investment, strengthening U.S. partnerships across Africa’s resource and industrial value chains

HOUSTON, United States of America, February 26, 2026/APO Group/ –The U.S.-Africa Energy & Minerals Forum (USAEMF) has relaunched with a dedicated focus on critical minerals, marking an important evolution in its role as a platform for U.S.-Africa commercial engagement. Building on its foundation in energy, power and industrial projects, the forum’s expanded scope positions it at the center of investment conversations shaping the future energy economy.

 

Scheduled for July 21–22, 2026, in Houston, Texas, USAEMF comes at a time of surging global demand for copper, cobalt, lithium, manganese and rare earth elements, driven by electrification, battery storage, AI infrastructure and advanced manufacturing. Africa is increasingly critical to securing these materials, highlighting how energy and minerals are now interconnected pillars of industrial growth, geopolitical stability and decarbonization.

The forum’s minerals mandate deepens engagement with African producers – particularly the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), home to some of the world’s largest copper and cobalt reserves. Momentum is building through the U.S.–DRC strategic minerals framework and the U.S.-backed Orion Critical Mineral Consortium, a major investment platform supported by the DFC and private partners. The consortium is pursuing a 40% stake in the Mutanda and Kamoto copper-cobalt operations in a $9 billion transaction, securing long-term supply for allied markets while reinforcing cooperation on infrastructure, security and supply-chain governance.

Placing critical minerals at the center while maintaining strong hydrocarbons engagement strengthens U.S.-Africa commercial ties

U.S. financing is also expanding across the region, with the DFC managing a continental portfolio exceeding $13 billion to support mining, processing and transport infrastructure for critical mineral supply chains. Recent commitments include rare earth, graphite and potash projects in Malawi, Mozambique and Gabon; broader investments in Uganda, Tanzania, Zambia and South Africa; and $553 million linked to the development of the Lobito Corridor. The DFC is also a major backer of TechMet, a U.S.-supported investment firm valued at over $1 billion, which is raising up to $200 million to expand copper, cobalt, lithium and rare earth assets and pursue new opportunities across the DRC and Zambia. Together, these initiatives underscore Washington’s push to diversify battery-mineral supply while positioning Africa as a long-term partner in clean energy and industrial value chains.

Houston’s role as host city reflects the alignment between American industrial capacity and African resource development. Long established as a global energy hub, the city is expanding into energy transition technologies, advanced materials, carbon management and industrial innovation. By convening African governments with U.S. private equity, development finance institutions, exporters, insurers and technical service providers, the forum creates a commercial platform capable of converting mineral potential into bankable projects.

“The evolution from USAEF to USAEMF reflects a broader shift toward integrated energy and mineral development,” states Nadine Levin, Portfolio Director at Energy Capital & Power, forum organizers. “Placing critical minerals at the center while maintaining strong hydrocarbons engagement strengthens U.S.-Africa commercial ties and advances projects that deliver long-term shared value.”

While critical minerals define the forum’s strategic expansion, the U.S.’ longstanding role in Africa’s energy sector remains central to the platform’s value proposition. American energy companies continue to advance exploration and development across key upstream markets, support gas monetization in the Gulf of Guinea and revitalize mature production in North Africa. U.S. export credit and development finance are also helping unlock large-scale LNG capacity in Mozambique while supporting optimization and expansion across existing gas infrastructure in West Africa – demonstrating how American capital, engineering expertise and risk-mitigation tools convert resource potential into delivered energy systems.

USAEMF is the leading platform connecting U.S. capital and technical expertise with Africa’s energy and minerals sectors. For more information or to participate at the upcoming forum, please contact sales@energycapitalpower.com

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Energy Capital & Power.

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Business

Pesalink and Pan-African Payment and Settlement System (PAPSS) Unlock Cross-Border Payments in Local Currencies in Kenya

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1 day ago

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February 27, 2026

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Pesalink

The Pesalink–PAPSS partnership will reduce costs, speed up settlements, and help individuals, SMEs and businesses send money more efficiently across borders

NAIROBI, Kenya, February 26, 2026/APO Group/ —

  • Instant 24/7 bank-to-bank transfers across African borders in local currencies.
  • Simpler cross-border payments for individuals, businesses, and SMEs.
  • 80 plus Pesalink network participants now linked to 160 plus PAPSS participating banks.

 

Pesalink, Kenya’s de facto instant payment network, has partnered with the Pan-African Payment and Settlement System (PAPSS) to ease cross-border payment and speed up regional financial integration.

 

The partnership enables instant 24/7 cross-border payments from PAPSS participants into banks and mobile money operators within the Pesalink network in Kenya, all settled in local currencies. This reduces complex correspondent banking requirements and reliance on foreign reserve currencies.

 

Kenyan banks will now be able to offer faster, cheaper cross-border payments

PAPSS, an initiative of the African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) in collaboration with the African Union and the AfCFTA Secretariat, enables cross-border payments between African countries. Pesalink is now a Technical Connectivity Provider. It means that 80 plus Kenyan bank, fintech, SACCO and telco participants on the Pesalink network will be connected to 160 plus commercial banks and fintechs on the PAPSS platform.

 

Cross-border payments remain expensive and slow for many African businesses. The 2023 (http://apo-opa.co/4baDSh7) World Bank Remittance Prices report indicates that sending money across African borders incurs on average 7-8% of the total value sent (above the global average of 6–7%). Settlement can also take three to seven business days.

 

The Pesalink–PAPSS partnership will reduce costs, speed up settlements, and help individuals, SMEs and businesses send money more efficiently across borders.

 

Speaking during the partnership signing held at Pesalink offices in Nairobi, PAPSS CEO Mike Ogbalu III said, “For PAPSS to deliver true impact, collaboration with national and private switches like Pesalink is essential. Pesalink is the first switch we’ve piloted for transaction termination in Kenya, and we are already seeing greater adoption by opening more channels for seamless, local-currency cross-border payments across Africa.”

 

Pesalink CEO, Gituku Kirika, said “Kenyan banks will now be able to offer faster, cheaper cross-border payments. They will be helping their customers grow more regional trading relationships and thrive in a more integrated digital economy.”

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Afreximbank.

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Africa Trade Conference Returns to Cape Town with Esteemed Speakers Driving Africa’s Trade Agenda

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1 day ago

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February 27, 2026

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Africa

Second edition convenes global policymakers, business leaders, and innovators to accelerate Africa’s integration into global trade

CAPE TOWN, South Africa, February 26, 2026/APO Group/ –Access Bank Plc (www.AccessBankPLC.com) is proud to announce the distinguished line-up of speakers for the second edition of the Africa Trade Conference (ATC 2026), scheduled to take place on March 11, 2026, at the Cape Town International Convention Centre, Cape Town, South Africa. Building on the strong foundation of its inaugural edition, ATC 2026 will convene an exceptional assembly of global and African leaders, policymakers, investors, and business executives committed to shaping the future of trade on the continent.

The Africa Trade Conference has rapidly emerged as a premier platform for advancing dialogue and action around Africa’s evolving role in global commerce. The 2026 edition will feature influential voices from across finance, government, development institutions, and the private sector, who will share insights on unlocking trade opportunities, strengthening intra-African commerce, enabling business expansion, and positioning African enterprises for global competitiveness.

The confirmed speakers represent a powerful cross-section of leaders driving Africa’s economic transformation.

Building on the momentum of its maiden edition, which convened senior decision-makers from 28 countries, the 2026 conference with the theme “Turning Vision into Velocity: Building Africa’s Trade Ecosystem for Real-World Impact”, will have the keynote address delivered by Kennedy Mbekeani, Director General, Southern Africa Region, African Development Bank (AfDB), alongside Kwabena Ayirebi, Managing Director, Banking Operations at the African Export-Import Bank. Their joint keynote will address the evolving financing landscape for African trade and the strategic pathways for unlocking continental prosperity.

The welcome address will be delivered by Roosevelt Ogbonna, CEO/GMD, Access Bank Plc, who will set the tone for discussions centered on trade transformation, financial inclusion, and regional competitiveness, while Tolu Oyekan, Managing Director & Partner at Boston Consulting Group, will deliver insights on “Africa Trade Outlook 2026”, examining emerging macroeconomic trends, supply chain shifts, and growth opportunities across key sectors.  The CEO of Pan-African Payment and Settlement System, Mike Ogbalu, will be engaging the conference participants on the topic, “Building a Connected Africa Through Trade, Payments & Technology”, focusing on how payment interoperability and digital infrastructure can accelerate the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) agenda.

The calibre of speakers confirmed for this year’s conference underscores the urgency and opportunity before us

The conference will also host a High-Level Ministerial Panel that features Elizabeth Ofosu-Adjare, the Minister for Trade, Agribusiness & Industry, Ghana; Tiroeaone Ntsima, Minister of Trade and Entrepreneurship, Botswana; Mr. Florian Witt, Divisional Head, International & Corporate Banking Oddo-BHF, Ms. Nathalie Louat – Global Director, International Finance Corporation (IFC), Dr Isaiah Rathumba – Head of Department, Limpopo Economic Development, Environment and Tourism and Mr. Alfred Idialu – Chief Rep Officer, Deutsche Bank among other policymakers shaping trade policy across the continent.

Commenting on the announcement, Roosevelt Ogbonna, Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of Access Bank Plc, said:
“The Africa Trade Conference reflects our unwavering commitment to advancing Africa’s economic transformation by creating a platform that brings together the leaders, institutions, and ideas shaping the future of trade. The calibre of speakers confirmed for this year’s conference underscores the urgency and opportunity before us. Africa is not only participating in global trade, it is helping to redefine it. Through this convening, we aim to catalyse partnerships, unlock new opportunities for businesses, and accelerate Africa’s integration into global value chains.”

“At Access Bank, we see ourselves not just as financiers, but as connectors of markets, ideas, and opportunities. Our role is to help African businesses move from ambition to impact, from local relevance to global competitiveness.”

With operations in 24 countries globally, including 16 across Africa, Access Bank’s expansive footprint places it in a unique position to facilitate cross-border trade, unlock regional value chains, and simplify the complexities of doing business across markets.

“Our presence across Africa and key global corridors gives us a front-row seat to the realities of trade. It also gives us the responsibility to design solutions that are inclusive, scalable, and future facing. ATC 2026 is part of that commitment, Ogbonna added.

ATC 2026 is expected to catalyze partnerships, enable policy dialogue, and provide actionable strategies for businesses operating within and beyond the continent.

The Access Bank Chief puts it thus, “Africa will not be a spectator in the remaking of global trade. We will be one of its architects. ATC 2026 is where those blueprints will be drawn.”

For more information and registration, please visit https://apo-opa.co/4sdXWF7

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Access Bank PLC.

 

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