The United States has expressed a strong interest in investing in one of Africa’s most ambitious infrastructure undertakings—the Nigeria–Morocco gas pipeline. The initiative, which aims to connect Nigeria’s vast natural gas reserves to Morocco and, ultimately, to Europe, featured prominently in bilateral discussions during the 2025 Spring Meetings of the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank Group in Washington, D.C.
Project Overview
Spanning approximately 5,660 kilometres, the Nigeria–Morocco gas pipeline is designed to transport natural gas from Nigeria through 13 West African countries. It is expected to significantly improve energy security across the region and into Europe. The estimated cost of the project is around $25 billion.
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Launched in December 2016 during a visit by Morocco’s King Mohammed VI to Nigeria, the project marked a landmark in bilateral cooperation and mutual commitment to regional energy development.
Nigerian Finance Minister Wale Edun highlighted the U.S. interest during high-level meetings, noting the potential for American investment in Nigeria’s natural gas sector. He said discussions, which included Central Bank Governor Olayemi Cardoso, focused on showcasing Nigeria’s economic reforms to attract foreign investors. “Key areas of interest include U.S. investment in Nigeria’s natural gas sector, particularly the Nigeria–Morocco Gas Pipeline, given the country’s vast gas reserves,” Edun stated.
Strategic Importance
The pipeline is expected to have a transformative effect on energy dynamics, not only for Nigeria and Morocco but also for the broader West African region, including members of the Alliance of Sahel States. On completion, it will be the longest offshore gas pipeline in the world.
It is anticipated to bolster gas supplies to Europe, offering an alternative to traditional energy sources, while enhancing energy access and security in the participating coastal nations.
In 2022, progress advanced when the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) and Morocco’s Office National des Hydrocarbures et des Mines (ONHYM) signed an agreement to commence construction. The project has since received strong backing from regional players, including the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), as well as energy firms from Tanzania and Senegal—highlighting its role in fostering regional cooperation and energy stability.
Geopolitical Context: U.S.–China Rivalry in Africa
The U.S. interest in the Nigeria–Morocco pipeline also reflects broader strategic considerations amid heightened competition with China for influence in Africa. As both nations pursue key projects across the continent—from mining to critical infrastructure—ventures like this pipeline carry considerable geopolitical weight.
Earlier this year, the pipeline project received notable support from China’s Jingye Group, a major steel producer. The company, via its UK-based subsidiary, Jingye British Steel, plans to supply essential steel products for the pipeline’s construction.
The potential U.S. investment can be seen as a strategic effort to counterbalance China’s expanding presence in Africa’s energy and infrastructure sectors. While the U.S. may not be openly contesting China’s position, its involvement in landmark projects such as this signals a desire to maintain a significant influence in shaping Africa’s development trajectory.
The proposed U.S. investment in the Nigeria–Morocco gas pipeline underscores a renewed commitment to energy collaboration between Nigeria and Morocco. It also represents a calculated move to ensure continued Western engagement in Africa’s critical infrastructure landscape.
As the two nations push forward with this transformative initiative, global stakeholders will be watching closely. With strategic international backing and a clear vision, the Nigeria–Morocco gas pipeline stands poised to redefine energy security across the region and beyond.
