The second edition of Sahara Group’s thought leadership forum, Asharami Square, brought together energy experts, media practitioners, and government functionaries to discuss the role of natural gas in Africa’s energy future.
Asharami Square, which held in Lagos on Friday, highlighted gas as a bridge between energy access and renewable transition, emphasising the need for significant investments in African energy infrastructure.
The continent holds over seven per cent of global natural gas reserves but consumes less than five per cent of global gas output, underscoring the need to address this mismatch.
Natural gas can power industries, energize homes, reduce dependence on polluting fuels, and drive economic growth.
$100 billion annual investments are required in African energy infrastructure to unlock gas potential.
In a speech by the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas), Ekperikpe Ekpo, delivered on his behalf by his Senior Technical Adviser, Abel Nsa, at the event, said Africa needed to urgently address the narrative of “Africa’s energy paradox”.
He said: “According to the International Energy Agency (IEA), Africa accounts for over seven per cent of global natural gas reserves, with Nigeria, Algeria, Egypt, and Mozambique holding the majority of these volumes.
”And yet, the continent consumes less than five per cent of global gas output. This mismatch between potential and utilisation must be addressed with urgency and purpose.”
He applauded Sahara Group for shaping public discourse through Asharami Square.
Ekpo said the platform could help bridge the gap between intention and action, and between information and transformation.
He emphasised the need for bold investments in infrastructure and financing frameworks to harness gas power.
Asset Manager, NNPC Upstream Investment Management Services,
Frank Mmamelu, highlighted gas’s socio-economic value in lifting millions out of poverty and supporting agriculture.
Energy Communications Expert, Dr Adeola Yusuf stressed the importance of media involvement in sustainability conversations for accurate reporting.
He urged government and private institutions to facilitate seamless access to data and critical information that would support “holistic understanding and fact-based reporting of the issues to promote accountability, transparency and stamp out greenwashing.”
The Director of Governance and Sustainability at Sahara Group, Ejiro Gray, emphasised contextualising sustainability within Africa’s unique developmental realities.
Asharami Square is a platform aimed at promoting sustainability through effective media advocacy and thought leadership.
Asharami Square 3.0 will be held next year as Sahara Group continues to champion responsible energy development and sustainability.
