The International Gas Union (IGU) has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting the growth and development of Africa’s gas industry, highlighting natural gas as a critical driver of economic transformation, energy security and industrialisation across the continent.
The commitment was made by the IGU’s Regional Coordinator for Africa, Mr. Akachukwu Nwokedi, during the Opening Keynote Address at the Strategic Dialogue Session of the West Africa Gas Summit (WAGS 2026), held in Accra from June 9 to 11.
The summit brought together policymakers, industry leaders, investors and energy stakeholders to examine practical, enterprise-led solutions for unlocking investment and strengthening regional collaboration within West Africa’s gas sector.
Discussions at the event focused on opportunities to accelerate gas development amid ongoing changes in the global energy landscape, including geopolitical uncertainties and supply chain disruptions affecting energy markets worldwide.
“IGU is committed to working with domestic associations across the region to advance regional gas priorities through knowledge exchange, capacity development, structured policy dialogue and international partnerships.”
-Akachukwu Nwokedi, Regional Coordinator for Africa, International Gas Union (IGU)
Gas Key To Economic Growth
Addressing participants, Mr. Nwokedi underscored the importance of natural gas in supporting Africa’s development agenda and unlocking long-term economic opportunities.
According to him, natural gas remains one of the continent’s most credible pathways to achieving sustainable economic growth while addressing energy access challenges and improving energy security.
He noted that many African countries possess significant gas resources that can be leveraged to drive industrial expansion, create jobs and support broader economic development objectives.
Driving Industrialisation, Diversification
Mr. Nwokedi further highlighted the role of gas in supporting industrialisation and economic diversification across Africa. He explained that reliable gas supplies can help power industries, support manufacturing activities, and provide feedstock for petrochemical development, creating value across multiple sectors of the economy.
The development of gas infrastructure, he noted, can also help strengthen regional competitiveness and promote industrial growth by providing a stable and efficient energy source for businesses.
Expanding Energy Access
Beyond industrial applications, the IGU Regional Coordinator emphasised the importance of gas in expanding access to modern energy services across the continent.
He indicated that increased utilisation of natural gas can support efforts to improve living standards by providing cleaner domestic fuel options for households while reducing reliance on traditional biomass fuels.
The wider adoption of gas-based energy solutions, he added, can contribute to improved public health outcomes and support broader sustainability goals.
Strengthening Regional Collaboration
A key theme emerging from the summit was the importance of stronger collaboration among governments, industry players and development partners in advancing regional gas initiatives.
Participants noted that unlocking the full potential of West Africa’s gas resources will require coordinated policies, investment-friendly regulatory frameworks and increased cross-border cooperation.
The summit also explored opportunities to attract private sector investment and strengthen partnerships aimed at accelerating infrastructure development across the regional gas value chain.
Supporting West Africa’s Energy Future
As global energy markets continue to evolve, stakeholders at WAGS 2026 stressed the need for African countries to maximise the value of their natural gas resources while supporting economic growth and energy security objectives.
For the IGU, strengthening partnerships with domestic industry associations forms part of a broader strategy to promote knowledge sharing, capacity building and policy engagement across the continent.
The organisation’s commitment is expected to support ongoing efforts to position natural gas as a key component of Africa’s energy future while advancing industrial development and regional economic integration.
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