Senegal and Mauritania Embark on a New Era of Shared Prosperity with Historic Visit to Offshore Gas Project

In a landmark moment for West Africa, Senegalese President Bassirou Diomaye Faye and Mauritanian President Mohamed Ould Cheikh El Ghazouani visited the Grand Tortue Ahmeyim (GTA) gas platform on Thursday, marking a pivotal step in their nations’ emergence as key players in the global liquefied natural gas (LNG) market.

The two leaders were warmly welcomed at the site by project partners: British Petroleum (BP), Kosmos Energy, Société des Pétroles du Sénégal (PETROSEN), and Société Mauritanienne des Hydrocarbures (SMH). Their visit underscores the deepening energy partnership between Senegal and Mauritania and highlights the region’s growing role in the international energy landscape.

This strategic visit officially ushers both nations into the elite group of LNG-exporting countries. More importantly, it symbolizes a model of regional cooperation built on transparency, equity, and shared ambition – one that positions Senegal and Mauritania as co-custodians of their energy future.

The visit also commemorates two significant milestones recently achieved by the GTA project: the commencement of gas production in January 2025 and the successful execution of its first LNG export in April of the same year.

The initial phase of the GTA project is expected to produce approximately 2.4 million tonnes of LNG annually, serving both the international market and the increasing domestic energy demands of Senegal and Mauritania. This development promises not only to enhance energy security but also to catalyze economic growth across sectors.

With this achievement, the two nations are entering a new chapter defined by shared prosperity, strengthened energy sovereignty, and sustainable economic transformation – benefiting millions across the region.

Africa’s potential is limitless – and Senegal and Mauritania are proving it.

As members of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), both countries continue to demonstrate leadership in unlocking regional integration and economic opportunity through strategic collaboration and responsible resource development.