A new Great Game is unfolding across Africa, as global and regional powers vie for control over the continent’s energy future. The recent signing of the $25 billion Nigeria-Morocco Atlantic Gas Pipeline agreement marks a pivotal moment in this struggle. The ambitious 6,900-kilometre project, endorsed by ECOWAS leaders in Sierra Leone, aims to deliver 30 billion cubic metres of gas annually across 14 nations, reshaping West Africa’s energy landscape and potentially linking to European markets.
This bold Moroccan-led initiative directly challenges its regional rival, Algeria, which is championing the competing Trans-Saharan Gas Pipeline through Niger. The outcome of this rivalry will determine which nation becomes Africa’s primary gateway to Europe.
Meanwhile, external powers are intensifying their involvement. China has quadrupled its African investments to $61 billion in 2025, funding critical infrastructure, while Russia is securing pipeline deals in the Republic of Congo to expand its footprint.
As experts note, control over these “pipes of power” represents more than just energy transit—it is about geopolitical leverage. For Africa, these projects offer a historic chance to industrialize and gain a stronger voice on the global stage. However, with security risks looming across multiple jurisdictions and financing hurdles ahead, the path from pipeline dreams to reality remains fraught with challenges.
