Ever considered examining how massive $25 billion is? In a broader context, $25 billion could buy 300,000 U.S. homes at a median price of $420,000 in 2025. The sheer scale is irrefutably massive and depicts a never-ending trench of infinite money supply. This illustration sums up Africa’s strategic investment in securing its future, but what could Africa possibly be scheming that needs such a massive figure?

Explaining the context: “So large it will escape the continent”

While Arica is not a stranger to foreign aid and bailouts from several reputable international agencies, the underlying root cause of its problems might have never been thoroughly examined. Several parts of Africa have been plagued by an insufferable system of infrastructure meant to generate and distribute energy within strategic locations all around the continent.

The larger picture must also not be neglected in all of this. There is a growing confidence within Africa not only to disperse energy within the continent but also to generate and distribute energy across the oceans, straight to Europe. This move is not only daring but an underlying statement to challenge the status quo that Africa might not be as far behind as the world thinks. 

What is the $25 B Megaproject that is seemingly gaining traction worldwide

The massive $25 B Megaproject is none other than the Nigeria–Morocco (African-Atlantic) Gas Pipeline. It is approximately 5,000-6,000 km long and aims to connect Nigeria’s gas reserves to European markets via Morocco and 13 other West African countries.  

In the build-up of discussions, strategic alliances and ventures are being established to foster a close relationship between the two nations. The alliances that are being created in the heat of the process include the alliance between Office National des Hydrocarbures et des Mines, ONHYM (Morocco), and the National Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (Nigeria). The next stage of strategic funding is set to begin in late 2025.

How feasible is the development of 5,000-6,000 km of gas pipeline in Africa?

To many enthusiasts, the project seems too massive and out of reach, like the biggest rollout in history by America. But before extrapolating, there is a need to thoroughly discuss the massive distance that the pipeline is meant to cover. 

Let’s discuss multiple scenarios where 5000km feels profound: 

The Hiker scenario: A well-trained hiker walking at an average pace of 5 km/h for 8 hours a day will ideally take 125 days to complete the distance
The Car scenario: 5000km in car terms translates to days of continuous driving. At an average speed of 100 km/h (62 mph), it would take 50 hours of non-stop driving time.
The Plane scenario: For air travel, 5000km equates to short international trips between countries, taking up to 6-7 hours of consistent lying, provided the weather conditions remain favorable throughout the duration of the trip. 

Beyond doubt, 5000 km is not the type of distance to be understated or joked with. This is illustrated in the examples seen above.

How significant is this gas pipeline project?

The gas pipeline project aims to impact Africa in a lot of strategic ways, both economically and geopolitically. The intense African ambition to access cleaner gas across its major energy producers is not only dependent on this but will seemingly shape the future of its entire gas intercontinental trade. The evidence of this will be seen many years down the line once the project is completed. 

Several years ago, Africa preferred to take development slowly, particularly relating to energy generation. But a recent unanimous decision to invest over $25 billion into developing intercontinental trade across Africa and between continents connotes a special desire to tackle deep energy-related issues that have continued to plague the continent for a long time, just like this groundbreaking project by China, designated to dominate the planet.