فاس نيوز ميديا جريدة الكترونية جهوية تعنى بشؤون و أخبار جهة فاس مكناس – متجددة على مدار الساعة
Leila Benali, Morocco’s Minister of Energy Transition and Sustainable Development, announced the launch of a major $6 billion investment by the end of July aimed at linking the port city of Nador in northern Morocco to Dakhla in the south. This marks the first phase of the Moroccan-Nigerian gas pipeline project.
In an interview with the economic platform “Asharq Bloomberg” on the sidelines of the OPEC conference held in Vienna, Austria, Minister Benali emphasized that the project goes beyond strengthening Morocco’s domestic gas infrastructure. It represents a pivotal step in continental energy connectivity, with plans to extend the pipeline in later phases to Mauritania and Senegal, and to enhance connection with the European market via the Maghreb-Europe gas pipeline.
This strategic project, with an estimated total cost of around $25 billion, is part of Morocco’s vision to position itself as a geostrategic hub linking West Africa and Europe, thereby fostering economic integration and sustainable development across the region.
The pipeline will span approximately 6,000 kilometers, crossing 13 African countries, and is expected to transport between 15 and 30 billion cubic meters of gas annually, providing energy for nearly 400 million people.
Currently, the involved parties are working on establishing a special purpose vehicle company between Morocco and Nigeria to implement the project, alongside completing engineering and environmental studies. The final investment decision is expected by the end of this year.
The project is considered a cornerstone for enhancing energy security in the region, a catalyst for economic and industrial development, and a generator of new employment opportunities. It will also strengthen Morocco’s position as a key energy corridor linking Africa and Europe through the Atlantic basin.
