Africa needs to mobilise at least $100 billion annually to build the critical infrastructure required to meet its energy demands and sustain industrialisation, top stakeholders have declared. At the forefront of this effort is the push to position natural gas as a transitional fuel capable of bridging the continent’s vast energy access gap while supporting global decarbonisation goals.

Africa seeks $100 billion yearly investment to close energy gaps, this was the central message at the second edition of the Sahara Group’s Asharami Square Thought Leadership Forum, held in Lagos under the theme: “Harnessing Gas for Africa’s Sustainable Future.”

The event brought together government representatives, energy experts, corporate executives, and media professionals to highlight the urgent need for investment in gas infrastructure across Africa.


Nigeria’s Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas), Ekperikpe Ekpo, represented by Senior Technical Adviser Abel Nsa, noted that Africa is home to over 7% of global natural gas reserves. Yet, it consumes less than 5% of the world’s gas output.

“This is the paradox Africa must confront. We have an abundance of gas but lack the infrastructure and investment to use it meaningfully for our people,” Nsa said. “With Nigeria, Algeria, Egypt, and Mozambique holding the majority of reserves, it is imperative that we move beyond dialogue to direct action.”

He commended Sahara Group for using platforms like Asharami Square to drive meaningful engagement and influence policy around energy transition in Africa.


Dr. Justice Derefaka, Group Asset Manager at NNPC Upstream Investment Management Services (NUIMS), in a keynote delivered by Frank Mmamelu, stressed the broader socio-economic benefits of natural gas. He said gas could electrify homes, power industries, and reduce indoor air pollution that affects millions of women and children.

“Gas is not just an energy source—it is a poverty alleviation tool,” Derefaka said. “It supports agro-industrial growth through affordable fertilisers and delivers clean energy that improves health outcomes and reduces gender inequality.”


Olurotimi Famoroti, CEO of First Independent Power Limited (FIPL), emphasised that Nigeria’s chronic energy deficit remains a major bottleneck to economic growth. He maintained that gas offers the most scalable and immediate solution.

“Power is the foundation of every economic activity,” Famoroti said. “Gas-to-power infrastructure must be expanded quickly if we are to see any meaningful development.”

Adding to the conversation, Ejiro Gray, Director of Governance and Sustainability at Sahara Group, called for an inward-looking strategy to leverage Africa’s gas abundance.

“Too often, Africa looks outward for energy solutions,” Gray said. “But we must trust our resources and talent. Our strategy is built around three pillars: powering communities, powering industries, and investing in infrastructure to support intra-African gas trading.”

Bethel Obioma, Head of Corporate Communications at Sahara Group, noted that the Asharami Square platform was created to bridge the knowledge gap on sustainability issues among journalists. He stressed the role of the media in breaking down energy transition concepts for public understanding and policy accountability.

“We need storytelling that inspires action,” Obioma said. “The media is not just a reporter of change—it is a driver of it.”


As Africa faces the dual challenge of development and decarbonisation, leaders at the Asharami Square forum agreed that gas provides a realistic path forward. But achieving this goal hinges on policy consistency, strategic public-private partnerships, and the mobilisation of an estimated $100 billion annually.

The consensus: Africa must own its energy future by investing in its people, resources, and innovation—starting with gas as a bridge to a cleaner, more inclusive future.