To those that have never had the privilege of traveling to Africa, it may be difficult to conceptualize just how big of a landmass it truly is.

As a continent, Africa's surface area is 30.37 million sq km (or 11.7 million sq mi). It covers 6% of the Earth's total area and makes up 20% of its landmass. The United States could fit inside of Africa just a little more than three times.

I believe it is vital to make this size distinction, as it helps you understand how significant Africa's natural gas energy reserves are.

Natural Gas in Africa by the Numbers

The natural gas reserves spanning Africa exceed a total of 800 trillion cubic feet! In fact, BP estimates that the production of natural gas in Africa will surge to 80% by the year 2035.

800 trillion cubic feet is a number so vast that it is difficult to grasp fully. Therefore, it is perhaps simplest to visualize Africa's sheer volume of natural gas reserves by breaking it down by country.
    

With 55 unique countries across the whole of Africa, there is an overwhelming wealth of natural gas energy to be tapped into. But which countries are sitting upon the most significant reserves of this abundant natural resource?

To help you understand the energy potential of Africa the way that I do, here are the top 5 African countries with the most natural gas reserves.

Nigeria

Nigeria boasts the largest amount of natural gas reserves in Africa. Based on research conducted by the Department of Petroleum Resources, Nigeria rests upon proven gas deposits totaling up to 206.53 trillion cubic feet.

Being one of Africa's largest and most populous countries, it's unsurprising that it would sit on one of the most significant reserves. But globally speaking, Nigeria is the 12th largest producer of petroleum worldwide.

Oil alone comprises 20% of the country's GDP, showcasing natural gas's economic uplift power to African countries.

Algeria

Like Nigeria, Algeria ranks globally as the 11th greatest petroleum producer. Its proven repository of 159.1 trillion cubic feet accounts for around 2% of the world's total reserves.

Economically speaking, natural gas represents around 34% of Algeria's total GDP. Algeria is an economic energy force to be reckoned with, containing nearly 20% of the continent's total natural gas reserves.

Senegal

Resting atop 120 trillion cubic feet of natural gas, Senegal is Africa's 3rd most energy-abundant country.

Many oil exploration companies have noticed Senegal, recognizing its natural resources' vast potential. As a result, more and more gas fields are being discovered in Senegal, with new projects tapping into an additional 15-20 trillion cubic feet expected to begin in 2023 and 2024.

Mozambique

With nearly 100 trillion cubic feet of natural gas, Mozambique accounts for about 1% of the world's total natural gas reserves.

Its reserves add up to about 1,545 times the country's own annual consumption. In simpler terms, this means that Mozambique has oil reserves that could last them for 1,500 years at their current consumption rate.

Rovuma Basin, a large gas exploration company, occupies a significant presence in Mozambique.

Egypt

Last on the list is Egypt, clocking in at 77.2 trillion cubic feet.

In 2021, the International Trade Administration published an Energy Resource Guide that clearly highlighted Egypt's potential for natural gas reserves.

With one of the most developed economies on this list, Egypt is a lucrative destination for natural gas investment and project development.

Vastness Upon Vastness of Energy
    

By now, you should have a better idea of the types of numbers we're talking about when we speak of Africa's energy potential.

Even conceptualizing one trillion cubic feet is a feat of mental gymnastics itself. Now try to imagine 800x that number… you can see that these are mathematical figures that transcend our lifetime.

Africa's wellspring of energy is abundant enough to solve many of the world's energy problems many times over. As the development of clean energy projects continues in Africa, I am confident that the continent's natural gas reserves will play a substantial part in our planet's energetic future.