Africa-Atlantic Gas Pipeline: Benkhadra presents the project’s progress in Washington

The General Director of the National Office of Hydrocarbons and Mines (ONHYM), Amina Benkhadra, presented the major advancements of the Africa Atlantic Gas Pipeline (AAGP) in Washington at an event organized by the American think tank, the Atlantic Council.

This project, born from the vision of King Mohammed VI and the President of Nigeria, is entering a decisive investment phase, Benkhadra stated during a strategic briefing held on the sidelines of her participation in the « Powering Africa Summit », a major event on energy partnerships between the U.S. and Africa which is held on March 6 and 7 in the American federal capital.

Before an audience of diplomats, energy experts, private sector representatives, and funders, Benkhadra emphasized the fundamental importance of this infrastructure for the energy security of West Africa, Europe, and the broader Atlantic space.

Embedded in a dynamic of regional cooperation and sustainable development, this initiative aims to address the continent’s energy challenges while strengthening economic ties between the states involved, she indicated.

Recalling that the project has passed significant milestones, Benkhadra noted that the final investment decision is progressing, with a phased service launch planned for the first sections by 2029.

She stressed the importance of strategic partnerships, mentioning ongoing discussions with major international operators, including American ones and financial institutions, to ensure the project’s economic and technical viability.

besides its energy impact, the AAGP distinguishes itself by its scope and significant socio-economic impact. With a length of over 6,000 kilometers, the future pipeline aims to serve nearly 400 million people, contributing to the continent’s electrification in a context where energy access remains limited to 40% in some countries.

Beyond energy supply, this infrastructure represents a lever for industrial development, facilitating the emergence of new production hubs and stimulating local economies.

Benkhadra highlighted the synergies between the AAGP and the critical minerals sector, a key area that will directly benefit from improved energy access, thus facilitating the exploitation and transformation of natural resources.

The Moroccan Ambassador to Washington, Youssef Amrani, opened the discussion by situating the pipeline in its broader geopolitical context, noting that energy issues occupy a central place in the American agenda.

He emphasized that this megaproject fully aligns with the strategic vision carried by the Sovereign and represents a fundamental pillar of the Royal Atlantic Initiative. This visionary approach aims to strengthen Africa’s economic integration and improve its energy connectivity with the rest of the world, creating inclusive growth corridors and sustainable development.

Highlighting the imperative to accelerate international collaborations, the Ambassador stressed the need to mobilize financing and support the project’s next steps, capitalizing on the growing interest shown by international partners.

This strategic briefing initiated by the prestigious American research center generated strong enthusiasm among participants, illustrating the central role of the Africa Atlantic Gas Pipeline in the continent’s future energy landscape and its structuring role in global energy cooperation.

Through this project, Morocco reaffirms its commitment to a more connected, integrated, and sovereign Africa in terms of energy, Amrani noted.