Cape Town: Africa's demand for natural gas is set to rise significantly, with projections indicating a 60% increase by 2050. This surge underscores the urgent need for efficient and large-scale new supply deployment. Africa currently hosts the highest concentration of Floating Liquefied Natural Gas (FLNG) infrastructure globally, positioning the continent as a testbed for these floating solutions that monetize offshore resources while mitigating above-ground risks.
According to African Press Organization, early FLNG successes are reshaping development models across Africa. The Hilli Episeyo FLNG project in Cameroon, Africa's first operational FLNG facility, serves as a global reference point. It was brought online swiftly, demonstrating how FLNG can unlock gas exports from relatively modest reserves. The African FLNG market has expanded, with several projects now under development or operational.
On the maritime border of Senegal and Mauritania, the Gimi FLNG vessel, located at the bp-led Greater Tortue Ahmeyim LNG development and operated by Golar LNG, reached commercial operations in 2025. As the first FLNG unit in the MSGBC region, it will monetize up to 15 trillion cubic feet of gas through a 20-year Lease and Operate Agreement. In Gabon, Perenco is developing the Cap Lopez FLNG project with a capacity of 700,000 tons per year, starting in 2026, with Dixstone building the unit. Offshore Nigeria, UTM Offshore is advancing an FLNG facility at the deepwater Yoho field, a $5 billion project progressing toward FID.
FLNG's scalability is one of its compelling advantages. Unlike onshore LNG developments, which require extensive land acquisition, infrastructure, and long construction timelines, FLNG facilities can be deployed in phases and scaled based on reservoir performance and market demand. This modular approach reduces upfront capital requirements and allows producers to accelerate first gas while preserving expansion options. The Congo LNG project exemplifies this: following phase one operations in 2023, operator Eni quickly moved to phase two, bringing production online in 2025, just 35 months after construction began and six months ahead of schedule.
FLNG also mitigates above-ground risks, influencing gas development strategies across Africa. Mozambique provides a clear example. Despite hosting some of the world's largest gas discoveries, security challenges in Cabo Delgado caused delays and force majeure declarations on major onshore LNG projects. Offshore FLNG developments have proven more resilient. Eni's Coral Sul FLNG project came online in 2022, and the Coral Norte FLNG project reached a $7.2 billion FID in 2025.
Beyond speed and resilience, FLNG could catalyze Africa's broader economic development. By reducing capital intensity and shortening development timelines, FLNG improves project bankability and attracts a wider pool of investors. It also supports gas-to-power strategies, petrochemical development, and regional energy security by enabling monetization of gas that might otherwise remain stranded for years.
However, FLNG is not a one-size-fits-all solution. Successful deployment requires robust regulatory frameworks, clear fiscal terms, and strong collaboration between governments, operators, and financiers. When aligned with national gas master plans and long-term industrial strategies, FLNG can bridge exploration success and sustainable economic impact.
These discussions will be central at African Energy Week (AEW) 2026, where governments and industry leaders will explore how floating solutions can unlock Africa's vast gas potential while managing risk and accelerating timelines. AEW continues to provide a critical platform for sharing lessons learned, advancing project dialogue, and mobilizing capital into innovative LNG developments.
FLNG is transforming the landscape for African gas producers, allowing countries to monetize resources faster, reduce exposure to security and infrastructure risks, and generate revenues that can be reinvested into broader development. When deployed strategically, FLNG can help Africa turn gas discoveries into energy security, industrial growth, and real economic transformation, states NJ Ayuk, Executive Chairman, AEC.