The Investment in African Energy (IAE) 2026 Forum in Paris has gained strategic importance with the scheduled participation of Dr. Philippe Mashableila, the newly appointed Secretary General of the Gas Exporting Countries Forum (GECF). His insights come at a critical juncture for African gas and LNG markets, where energy security concerns, investment flows and global demand dynamics are reshaping the continent's role in the global energy landscape.
Dr Mashalbila takes over at GECF on January 1, 2026 and brings more than three decades of gas, LNG and energy value-chain experience – including senior leadership roles at Nigeria LNG and Atlantic LNG – to the helm of the inter-governmental body, which represents major gas producers around the world.
In its Global Gas Outlook and related analyses, GECF estimates that Africa could attract up to $115 billion in gas midstream investment between 2031 and 2040, largely driven by LNG and liquefaction spending. The continent is expected to account for almost a quarter of global liquefaction investment by 2050, with major projects in Mozambique, Nigeria, Senegal-Mauritania and Gabon. This positions Africa not only as a resource base for traditional markets, but also as a strategic export hub in global gas supply chains.
Those estimates correspond to the real-time evolution of the field. New LNG developments such as Greater Tortue Ahmeim on the Senegal-Mauritania maritime border have reached commercial milestones, while Mozambique's Coral South FLNG and the Train 7 expansion at Nigeria's NLNG support infrastructure highlight growing activity. Additionally, assets in the Rovuma Basin, emerging fields in Tanzania and Egypt's Zohar and planned expansions in the offshore Mediterranean indicate a broad base of competitive gas resources in West, East and North Africa.
Beyond export potential, the continent's domestic gas consumption continues to grow due to industrial demand, power generation needs and the expansion of LNG import infrastructure in markets such as South Africa and Ghana. According to recent market data, Africa's gas consumption is set to reach 183 billion cubic meters in 2025, marking a year-on-year increase and underscoring the growing role of gas in the energy mix.
Mashalbila has also been vocal about the broader socio-economic dimensions of gas development. He highlighted that more than 600 million Africans still lack access to electricity and an even greater number lack clean cooking solutions, noting that total energy consumption on the continent must at least triple by 2050 to eliminate energy poverty. For investors, this highlights a dual opportunity: to capitalize on export-oriented LNG projects, while supporting solutions that address chronic domestic shortages.
GECF's involvement with global forums – from the G20 Energy Transition Working Group to the Continental Leadership Dialogue – strengthens its advocacy for gas as a transitional and long-term energy source that can support industrialization, electrification and low emissions outcomes relative to other fossil fuels.
At IAE 2026, Mshebalila's participation will provide investors with a clear view of how producer coordination, policy alignment and investment frameworks are developing in Africa's gas sector. As governments and international partners deal with security risks, financing barriers, and regulatory complexities, these dynamics are increasingly shaping how projects move from exploration to development.
With the GECF playing a central role in global gas negotiations, Mshebilila's perspective will also reflect the broader push for African development to diversify global supply chains amid geopolitical shifts and growing demand in Europe and Asia – insights that are directly relevant to investors evaluating new opportunities in the gas value chain.
IAE 2026 (https://apo-opa.co/4bqyp4L) is an exclusive platform designed to connect African energy markets with global investors, serving as a premier platform for deal-making in the lead up to African Energy Week. Scheduled in Paris on April 22-23, 2026, the event will provide delegates with two days of intensive engagement with industry experts, project developers, investors and policy makers. For more information visit www.Invest-Africa-Energy.com. To sponsor or register as a delegate please contact sales@energycapitalpower.com
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Energy Capital & Power.