The United Arab Emirates has joined as a key supporter of a massive gas pipeline project that will link Nigeria to Morocco and eventually supply gas to Europe.
Morocco’s Minister of Energy Transition and Sustainable Development, Leila Benali, told lawmakers on Tuesday that the UAE has committed to supporting the $25 billion project, now officially named the African-Atlantic Gas Pipeline.
“In terms of financing, the project has received backing from the Islamic Development Bank, the OPEC Fund, the European Investment Bank, and now the UAE,” Benali said.
She confirmed that Morocco has completed all feasibility and engineering studies required for the pipeline, which will stretch across 15 African countries. Industry experts noted that the project has already passed the feasibility and Front-End Engineering Design (FEED) phases.
The pipeline will connect Nigeria’s gas network with Morocco’s southern city of Dakhla and extend northward toward Europe. It is expected to boost trade, electricity access, and regional cooperation across West Africa.
The project will roll out in three phases:
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Phase One: Connects Morocco to gas fields near Senegal and Mauritania, and links Ghana to the Ivory Coast.
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Phase Two: Extends the line from Nigeria to Ghana.
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Phase Three: Connects the Ivory Coast to Senegal.
With over 400 million people living along the proposed route, the pipeline is seen as a major driver of regional development, integration, and energy access. Experts say it will power homes, businesses, and industries while encouraging new economic partnerships.
Morocco and Nigeria have established a joint venture to oversee the project and previously signed a financing deal to support its progress. China’s Jingye Steel Group has secured the contract to supply the pipes.
Once completed, the 6,800-kilometer pipeline—including 5,100 kilometers offshore—will be the longest offshore gas pipeline in the world.
Minister Benali also emphasized Morocco’s goal to lead in clean energy, with strong potential in green hydrogen and renewable resource development.