BUSINESS
AFRICA – Natural gas production in Africa is expected to more than double to 585 billion m3 by 2050 (Report)

Africa’s share of global natural gas production is expected to reach more than 11% in 2050 compared to 6% in 2021. But much of the continent’s output will be consumed locally, due to strong demand driven by accelerating economic growth and rapid urbanization.
Africa will be the only region in the world where natural gas production is expected to more than double by 2050, according to a report published on 29 January by the Gas Exporting Countries Forum (GECF), an intergovernmental organization to defend the interests of major natural gas exporting countries.
The production of this fossil fuel on the continent is expected to increase from 260 billion m3 in 2021 to 585 billion m3 in 2050. This 125% jump corresponds to an average annual growth of 2.8%.
The report also reveals that Africa’s share of global natural gas production will increase from around 6% in 2021 to over 11% in 2050.
North America, the world’s largest gas producer, will maintain its position during the period under review. Natural gas production in the region is expected to increase by 285 billion m3 to 1420 billion m3 by 2050. However, its share of global production is expected to fall to 26% in 2050 from 28% in 2021.
The Middle East will become the world’s second largest natural gas producing region. This region is expected to provide nearly 22% of global production by 2050, compared to 17% currently (1,190 billion m3 in 2050 compared to 670 in 2021).
Eurasia’s share, which currently accounts for almost 25% of world production, is expected to fall to 20% by 2050. Production in this region is expected to grow by only 0.5% on average per year.
African demand to increase by 152% by 2050
Latin American production is expected to increase by 46% (65 billion m3) by 2050, an annual growth of 1.3%.
Europe will be the only region in the world where natural gas production is expected to fall in the coming decades. Its production will fall by an average of 2.9% per year by 2050, bringing the region’s share of global production to only 2%.
On a global scale, natural gas production is expected to increase by an average of 1.1% per year, from 4025 billion m3 in 2021 to 5460 billion m3 in 2050.
The “Global Gas Outlook 2050” report also reveals that natural gas demand is expected to increase by 36% over the coming decades to reach 5460 billion m3 by 2050. The share of natural gas in the global energy mix would increase from 23% in 2021 to 26% in 2050.
Asia-Pacific will be the largest driver of growth in natural gas demand, contributing about 50% of the net increase in global demand during the review period.
In Africa, demand is expected to grow by 152% to 415 billion m3 by 2050, driven by accelerated economic growth and urban population growth.
Conversely, demand for natural gas in Europe is expected to fall by 37% to 330 billion m3 by 2050, in a context of forced decarbonization of the economy on the Old Continent.
The Gas Exporting Countries Forum also estimates that investment in upstream gas (from early exploration to extraction of gas resources) is expected to reach $9.7 trillion globally by 2050. Of this amount, Africa is expected to attract $1.7 trillion in investment during the period under review.
Source : Agence Ecofin
BUSINESS
TOGO – The manganese mine of Nayega enters into operational phase

The presidency of Togo has announced that the project to exploit the manganese mine of Nayega, located in the Savanes region in the north of the country, is entering its operational phase. According to a statement issued on June 10, 2025, production is scheduled to start at the end of June 2025, with an initial volume of 4,000 tons per month, which should gradually double to reach 8,000 tons per month.
Keras Resources is the technical partner retained by the Togolese government to carry out this project. A statement from Keras, relayed by the presidency, details that the company signed a cooperation agreement in 2023 with the Togolese state, owner of the mine through the Togolese Manganese Company (STM). Under the terms of this agreement, Keras will receive a remuneration of 1.5% of the mine’s gross revenue for three years for its advisory services, as well as 6% for brokering services.
The reserves of the Nayega mine are estimated at 8.5 million tonnes, which would allow exploitation over a period of 11 years. The authorities of Lomé welcome the expected contribution of the mine to the national budget, a benefit that should be strengthened by the rigorous management of the generated revenues, as indicated by our colleagues from Agence Afrique.
With a growing global demand for manganese, particularly in steel alloys and renewable energy technologies, Togo is seeking to assert itself as an essential supplier of this strategic ore. This positioning could play a catalytic role for the national economy, always according to information from the Africa Agency.
Source: senego / Photo credit: Republicoftogo.com
BUSINESS
GABON – The end of frozen chicken imports in 2027

The Gabonese government decided on Friday to ban the import of broilers in order to promote national poultry production and ensure food security, according to the final communiqué of the council of ministers chaired by the head of state, Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema.
The ban will be effective from 1 January 2027, thus leaving a period of 18 months (1 year and 6 months) for actors in the sector to structure themselves, invest and prepare to meet national demand.
“This measure aims to restore domestic poultry production, boost agricultural investment, reduce food dependency and strengthen the trade balance,” the government hopes. Gabon also hopes to foster “the emergence of a network of rural jobs, the rise in quality of products consumed locally and the creation of an economic ecosystem around this sector”.
The government has also planned a detailed operational plan to be presented within 45 days by the ministers responsible for economy and trade.
Libreville dreams of reducing its dependence on poultry imports and strengthening the country’s food security. In addition, the promotion of local poultry farming should have a positive impact on rural areas, generating jobs and contributing to the development of a vibrant poultry ecosystem.
Imported frozen chicken is the most consumed food in Gabon because of its low price and packaging ready to be thrown into a pot.
“The star of the freezer” is how Gabonese people refer to frozen chicken because it is often the only food, if not the default food, found in the freezers of Gabonese families.
Frozen chicken and meat are generally imported from Latin America and Europe. Their massive presence on the market has destroyed local production.
The Council of Ministers also announced a ban on exporting crude manganese from 1 January 2029. The objective is to promote local industrial development, create jobs and maximize the value of this resource, of which Gabon is the world’s second largest producer.
Sources: gabonactu.com
BANK
BAD: Mauritanian Sidi Ould Tah takes the reins of the institution

Mauritania is in the spotlight. On Thursday, May 29, 2025, Sidi Ould Tah was elected president of the African Development Bank (AfDB), at the annual meeting of the institution held in Abidjan. He succeeds Akinwumi Adesina of Nigeria, in office since 2015.
His election came after a hard-fought duel against Samuel Munzele Maimbo of Zambia, who finished in second place. The election, which was marked by major geopolitical and economic issues, took place against a background of high expectations regarding governance and development financing on the continent.
The Senegalese Amadou Hott, long perceived as one of the favorites, finishes in third place, followed by the South African Bajabulile Swazi Tshabalala. Despite significant diplomatic support, notably for Hott, the momentum in favour of Sidi Ould Tah has prevailed in the last few rounds.
Former minister and general manager of the Arab Bank for Economic Development in Africa (BADEA), Sidi Ould Tah is recognized for his experience and strategic vision. He will officially take office on 1 September 2025.
Photo credit: Forbes Africa
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