What happened?
Leila Benali, Minister of Energy Transition and Sustainable Development, announced the official launch of a major project estimated at 6 billion dollars, aimed at connecting the port of Nador (north) to the city of Dakhla (south of Morocco). This section constitutes the first phase of the Morocco–Nigeria gas pipeline project, intended to strengthen the Kingdom’s gas infrastructure and turn it into a regional energy hub.
Why it matters
The pipeline will connect 11 African countries, from Nigeria to Morocco, with the goals of securing the national energy supply and enabling exports to Europe. It will help position Morocco as a strategic corridor between Africa and Europe for natural gas and clean energy. Construction is scheduled to begin at the end of July, according to the minister.
What they’re saying
In a statement to the economic platform Asharq Bloomberg, on the sidelines of an OPEC forum in Vienna, Leila Benali explained that the project goes beyond national concerns. It also aims to strengthen the continent’s energy integration, with planned extensions toward Mauritania and Senegal, while improving the connection with the European market via the Maghreb–Europe pipeline.
Key figures
- 6 billion dollars for the Nador–Dakhla phase
- 11 African countries involved in the overall route
- Over 20 billion dollars to be invested in renewable energy and energy efficiency
- Over 20 billion additional dollars to strengthen Africa–Europe energy interconnections
The project is also expected to improve energy services for citizens, support economic growth, and accelerate Morocco’s sustainable development goals. It marks a key milestone in the national energy strategy.
Edited in English by Eric Nielson
