Letter from Africa: The path to net zero requires LNG
Africa’s unique energy access challenges mean LNG will be an essential bridging fuel for the transition
Even as global leaders lined up at Cop26 to affirm their commitment to reaching net zero by 2050, the first energy scare of the ‘green era’ had yet to subside. The recent surge in energy prices exposed the inadequate investment in renewables, and there is a widespread lack of understanding about the transitional use of fossil fuels needed to reach net zero. For African countries—where access to electricity languishes at around 45pc—an answer exists in the form of LNG. More than 600mn Africans did not have access to electricity in 2018, according to the UN Development Programme, and those that do have access often have an unreliable, irregular and expensive supply. Traditional and heavily pol
Also in this section
29 January 2026
Caught between LNG risks from across the Atlantic and the wounds from Russian gas dependence, Europe needs more than a simple diversification strategy
28 January 2026
The alliance looks to bolster market management credibility by bringing greater clarity and unity to output cuts and producer capacity later in 2026
23 January 2026
A strategic pivot away from Russian crude in recent weeks tees up the possibility of improved US-India trade relations
23 January 2026
The signing of a deal with a TotalEnergies-led consortium to explore for gas in a block adjoining Israel’s maritime area may breathe new life into the country’s gas ambitions






