Senegal has recently announced it will stop importing natural gas from 2026, with local supply set to replace costly imports used to fuel power generation. The announcement follows Senegal’s emergence as an oil and gas producer, with the cross-border Greater Tortue Ahmeyim (GTA) LNG project officially entering its commercial phase in June 2025, marking a major milestone for energy development in West Africa.
Straddling the maritime border between Senegal and Mauritania, the $4.8 billion offshore mega-development is the MSGBC region’s first large-scale offshore LNG project and is set to redefine the energy landscape of West Africa. Phase 1 of the GTA project is expected to produce up to 2.4 million tons per annum (mtpa) of LNG, with future phases planned to scale capacity to 5 mtpa. The field is estimated to hold between 15-25 trillion cubic feet (tcf) of gas resources, with production projects to continue for the next 30 to 50 years.
Export Era for GTA
Operated by multinational oil and gas company bp (56%) with partners Kosmos Energy (27%), Senegal’s Petrosen (10%) and Mauritania’s Société Mauritanienne des Hydrocarbures (7%), the GTA project recently commenced its 20-year lease and operate agreement with the Gimi floating LNG (FLNG) vessel, owned by Golar LNG. First gas was achieved in January 2025, followed by the first LNG cargo in April.
Strategically located and supported by reliable reserves, the GTA project provides a stable supply route into global LNG markets. The project supports Europe’s energy diversification objectives, while establishing Senegal and Mauritania as key LNG exporters. As the operator and major stakeholder, bp secured exclusive rights to offtake 2.5 mtpa of LNG under a long-term sales agreement extending through 2045.
Boosting Local Development
While the majority of gas will be exported, both Senegal and Mauritania will receive a portion for domestic consumption. Jointly managed by both countries, the successful start of production reinforces both governments’ long-term commitment to joint resource management and has been designated a national project of strategic importance by both Mauritania and Senegal.
The development is positioned to deliver significant economic benefits to both nations, with the World Bank forecasting Mauritania’s GDP growth to reach 7.6% in 2025-2026, driven by hydrocarbons-led expansion, while Senegal is expected to reach up to 10.2% in 2025, according to the African Development Bank. Project construction has already created more than 3,000 local jobs and engaged approximately 300 local companies.
Enhancing Geological Understanding
The GTA development has also provided greater understanding of the region’s offshore geological basins. The broader Mauritanian coastal basin covers 200,000 km2, with about 90 wells drilled and 12 oil and gas discoveries to date. A new agreement between Mauritania’s Ministry of Petroleum, Mines and Energy and data and intelligence company TGS is enhancing subsurface data coverage and de-risking future exploration. TGS is processing and integrating seismic datasets spanning over 84,000 km2 offshore and 20,000 km of 2D data in the Taoudenni Basin.
The GTA milestone is set to be a central point of discussion at this year’s MSGBC Oil, Gas & Power 2025 conference and exhibition, where regional leaders, investors and industry players will explore its long-term implications. The event provides a timely platform to examine how GTA and other developments are reshaping energy security, investment and growth across the MSGBC region.
Explore opportunities, foster partnerships and stay at the forefront of the MSGBC region’s oil, gas and power sector. Visit www.msgbcoilgasandpower.com to secure your participation at the MSGBC Oil, Gas & Power 2025 conference. To sponsor or participate as a delegate, please contact sales@energycapitalpower.com.