Senegal and Mauritania take a step closer to joint gas production

Senegal and Mauritania have moved closer to producing natural gas from the Greater Tortue Ahmeyim (GTA) offshore field, jointly developed by BP, Kosmos Energy, Mauritania's SMH, and Senegal's Petrosen. AFP reports that earlier this week the two countries announced the opening of the first gas well, marking a significant step toward full production.

The GTA project, located on their maritime border in the Atlantic ocean, is expected to produce 2.5 million tonnes of liquefied natural gas annually. Originally slated for late 2024, production is now set to begin this year. A joint statement hailed the milestone as paving the way for imminent commercialisation.

This progress follows Senegal's entry into oil production in 2023 at the Sangomar offshore field. Senegalese President Bassirou Diomaye Faye has prioritized transparency in the energy sector, pledging reforms and audits to ensure that resource exploitation benefits the nation’s economy and future generations.