KBR Analyzes Africa's Liquefied Natural Gas Potential

KBR, Inc. has released an analysis exploring the potential of Africa's natural gas reserves. The continent holds an estimated 514 trillion cubic feet (TCF) of proven natural gas, yet per capita consumption remains substantially below the global average.

Africa's energy landscape is still heavily reliant on polluting biofuels and waste, oil, and coal. Natural gas accounts for only about 7.4% of the continent's domestic energy needs. While Africa represents about 10% of global LNG exports, its own natural gas consumption is approximately 4% of the world's total.

This presents a dual challenge and opportunity: LNG exports can generate revenue and support economic growth, while there is an urgent need to expand reliable and cleaner domestic energy solutions. Natural gas is positioned to play a transitional role in Africa's future energy transition.

The continent's LNG potential spans both supply and demand. On the supply side, vast reserves remain untapped. Emerging LNG hubs include Mozambique, Senegal, Mauritania, and Tanzania. Nigeria leads the continent with 209.26 TCF of proven reserves, though a significant portion remains unmonetized.