North Africa is emerging as a key energy player, balancing its vast oil and gas reserves with a growing focus on renewable energy and hydrogen production. With its strategic location and rich natural resources, the region is attracting significant investments and advancing projects that align with both traditional and clean energy developments.
At the upcoming African Energy Week (AEW) 2025: Invest in African Energies conference in Cape Town, North African nations are set to highlight major energy projects and investment opportunities. Industry experts anticipate discussions on expanding fossil fuel production, infrastructure development, and the transition to green energy, positioning the region as a major energy supplier to global markets.
Libya is ramping up oil and gas exploration, with ongoing activities in the Ghadames, Sirte, and Murzuq basins. A new licensing round featuring 22 blocks is expected to attract international oil companies, while the National Oil Corporation advances 45 greenfield and brownfield projects. The country aims to increase production to two million barrels per day, alongside new gas utilization initiatives that target both domestic energy needs and exports to Europe.
Algeria is making significant strides in strengthening its gas production. A $50 billion investment through 2027 is set to boost annual output to 200 billion cubic meters over the next five years, reinforcing its role as a key supplier to Europe. Major energy firms, including ExxonMobil, Chevron, and TotalEnergies, are driving exploration and development efforts in multiple basins. Additionally, Algeria is positioning itself as a future hydrogen leader with the SoutH2 Corridor project, which aims to transport green hydrogen to European markets through repurposed natural gas pipelines.
Egypt is also expanding its gas sector, with a new licensing round offering 13 exploration and production blocks across the Mediterranean Sea and Nile Delta. Recent discoveries and development projects led by bp, Eni, and ExxonMobil are expected to enhance the country’s production capacity. The Zohr gas field remains a focal point, contributing significantly to Egypt’s natural gas output. With continued investments, including a $434 million exploration initiative by the Egyptian Natural Gas Holding Company, the country is reinforcing its role as a leading energy supplier in Africa and the Mediterranean region.
Morocco is accelerating its transition toward a diversified energy mix, with a strong emphasis on gas and renewable energy projects. The Nigeria-Morocco Gas Pipeline, spanning 5,600 kilometers, is poised to enhance energy security for multiple West and North African nations, with tender processes expected to commence this year.
In addition to natural gas developments, Morocco is investing heavily in renewable energy infrastructure. The country has announced six green hydrogen projects worth $32.5 billion and is planning a $3 billion upgrade to its national electricity grid by 2030. With a target of generating 52 percent of its electricity from renewable sources by the end of the decade, Morocco is positioning itself as a key destination for clean energy investments.
As North African nations expand their energy portfolios, the region is gaining prominence in global energy discussions. The combination of increased hydrocarbon production, strategic investments in hydrogen, and large-scale renewable energy initiatives underscores its evolving role in the international energy market.
“With vast natural resources and a commitment to both fossil fuel and renewable energy development, North Africa is poised to become a major player in the global energy transition,” said Ore Onagbesan, Program Director at African Energy Week.
At AEW 2025, industry leaders and investors will closely examine North Africa’s energy strategies, as the region continues to position itself at the center of Africa’s energy transformation and a key supplier to international markets.
