African Brains: Natural Gas in Africa: Benefits to the Economy and Emission Reduction

Although Africa produces a relatively small amount of natural gas annually, the continent has found many uses for it through adaptations and technological advances in their daily lives. Large reserves have been found throughout the continent, especially in East Africa, where they have become a key component of the oil and gas industry.

Liquified natural gas has become a focus worldwide for gas companies, and it is becoming competitive in markets due to the growing importance in the reserves to East Africa and other markets. Through utilizing their own natural gas production, innovators have found the means to develop technology which allows for utilizing natural gas in ways that benefit Africa both economically and socially.

Economically, East Africa has a number of investors who see the benefits of their natural gas. Between the highest performing countries, including Kenya, Ethiopia, and Madagascar, the region is expected to export thirty-six million metric tons of liquefied natural gas by 2020. With the increasing demand of natural gas, they are also expected to see a rise of exportation to the amount of seven percent each year.
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