The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has reportedly joined efforts to co-finance the $25 billion Nigeria-Morocco gas pipeline project, following growing interest from the United States and other international stakeholders.
Morocco’s Minister of Energy, Leila Benali, recently confirmed the UAE’s involvement, noting that the ambitious transcontinental project has also secured backing from major financial institutions, including the Islamic Development Bank (IDB), the OPEC Fund, and the European Investment Bank (EIB).
Morocco continues to position itself as a regional energy leader, with a focus on renewable energy development, technology localisation, and the creation of industrial supply chains to boost job creation and sustainability.
The Nigeria-Morocco gas pipeline is one of Africa’s most ambitious infrastructure ventures. Spanning approximately 5,660 kilometres, the pipeline will link Nigeria to Morocco and eventually connect West Africa to Europe.
First announced in December 2016 during King Mohammed VI’s visit to Nigeria, the pipeline is set to traverse 13 countries and will become the world’s longest offshore gas pipeline.
The project is expected to significantly enhance energy security for coastal West African nations and members of the Alliance of Sahel States (ESA), while strengthening Africa-Europe energy ties.
The project has attracted substantial international interest. Earlier this year, it received strategic support from China’s Jingye Group, a major steel producer.
Through its UK subsidiary, Jingye British Steel, the group plans to supply high-grade steel products essential for the pipeline’s construction.
Meanwhile, Middle Eastern countries have been expanding their energy investments across Africa.
According to Business Insider Africa, Gulf nations have recently expressed interest in, or finalised, energy deals on the continent worth at least $6 billion.
This surge in investment reflects a broader ambition by Gulf states to strengthen their energy partnerships in Africa.
A recent report from the African Export-Import Bank revealed that trade between Africa and the UAE grew by 38% over two years, reaching $86 billion by the end of 2023.
This growing economic relationship further underlines the UAE’s strategic interest in African energy infrastructure and development.
