Scaling Gas, Renewables and Local Capacity: Key Takeaways from MSGBC 2025
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Returning to Dakar for its fourth edition, the MSGBC Oil, Gas & Power 2025 conference convened regional governments, international energy companies and financiers last week at a pivotal moment for West Africa’s emerging producer states. Held under the theme, “Energy, Petroleum and Mining in Africa: Synergy for Inclusive Economic Development,” the event focused on translating recent production milestones into long-term investment, industrial growth and regional energy security.
With first gas flowing from the Greater Tortue Ahmeyim LNG project and first oil from Senegal’s Sangomar field, attention is now turning to the next wave of development: expanding gas production, accelerating green hydrogen initiatives and scaling renewables for domestic and regional energy access. Over three days, stakeholders explored strategies to mobilize capital, advance deepwater exploration and implement local content and infrastructure frameworks that turn energy growth into jobs, industrial capacity and tangible economic value.
Scale Gas Production and Advance Phase-Two Projects
Senegalese President Bassirou Diomaye Faye opened the conference by urging African nations to move decisively from planning to execution, emphasizing investments that drive industrialization and job creation alongside resource development. Ministers from Senegal, Mauritania, The Gambia, Guinea-Conakry and Guinea-Bissau highlighted regulatory reforms, equitable energy access and sustainable resource management as immediate priorities.
Investment needs are substantial: the Society of Petroleum Engineers Senegal estimates Africa will require approximately $375 billion over the next 10–12 years to fully develop its natural gas resources. Deepwater exploration is accelerating, with stakeholders targeting drilling depths of up to 4,000 meters by 2030. Meanwhile, Woodside Energy reported that Sangomar production has already surpassed 50 million barrels, setting the stage for follow-on phase-two development.
Accelerate Green Hydrogen and Renewable Energy Growth
Alongside gas-driven growth, the MSGBC region is increasingly pursuing a diversified energy mix. Mauritania aims to become a global green hydrogen hub, targeting 12.5 million tons of production by 2035 through projects such as AMAN and Megaton Moon. S&P Global Energy also identified the basin as a promising frontier for white hydrogen development. Stakeholders emphasized scaling gas-to-power, solar and clean cooking solutions to expand energy access across communities and strengthen regional energy resilience.
This push reflects a strategic shift toward leveraging both traditional and clean energy resources to meet growing domestic demand while positioning the region as a competitive player in emerging global energy markets. By integrating renewables with gas infrastructure, MSGBC countries can enhance energy security, reduce carbon intensity and attract diversified investment into the energy sector.
Invest in Local Capacity and Infrastructure
Local content and infrastructure remain critical to maximizing economic impact. Companies highlighted the need for integrated refining, pipelines and logistics networks to capture in-country value and support industrialization. Workforce development, training programs and partnerships with local suppliers were underscored as essential for building long-term capacity.
Environmental performance is also improving alongside industrial growth. SEPCO reported that 99.6% of waste treatment is now conducted within the region, reducing reliance on exports and demonstrating a commitment to sustainable operations. By investing in human capital and infrastructure, the MSGBC basin aims to convert energy projects into tangible outcomes, including job creation, industrial diversification and enhanced regional self-reliance.