Senegal’s rapid emergence as a key player in Africa’s energy landscape will be in focus at African Energy Week (AEW) 2025: Invest in African Energies, with Minister of Energy, Petroleum and Mines, Birame Soulèye Diop, confirming his participation. His presence underscores Senegal’s drive to forge investment-led growth across the oil, gas, and renewable sectors, backed by robust legal and policy reforms.

Senegal officially joined the ranks of oil-producing nations in 2024, surpassing expectations with the performance of the Sangomar offshore oil field, operated by Woodside Energy. The field produced 16.9 million barrels of crude last year, exceeding its initial target of 11.7 million barrels. In a significant development, 650,000 barrels were processed at the Dakar refinery in early 2025 into refined products such as diesel, kerosene, gasoline, and butane. This achievement marks a shift toward energy self-sufficiency and presents fresh opportunities for investment in downstream infrastructure and refining capacity.

In the gas sector, January 2025 saw BP announce first gas from the Greater Tortue Ahmeyim (GTA) Phase 1 LNG project, a landmark for one of Africa’s most complex offshore developments. Straddling the maritime border between Senegal and Mauritania, the GTA project is set to produce 2.3 million tonnes of LNG annually, positioning Senegal as a future LNG export hub. Further momentum is building with the Yakaar-Teranga Gas Project, which targets a final investment decision later this year, aiming to meet both domestic power needs and export potential.

These hydrocarbon milestones align with President Bassirou Diomaye Faye’s 25-year national development plan, which emphasizes economic sovereignty and maximization of natural resource value. Key goals include universal electricity access, energy independence, and a transition to 40% renewable energy by 2030. Senegal is actively expanding its renewable energy footprint, reinforcing its strategy of a diversified and sustainable energy mix.

At AEW 2025, Minister Diop is expected to detail how Senegal’s energy strategy supports national development goals, balancing resource monetization with sustainability and creating a stable policy environment for long-term investment.

The event is anticipated to be a catalyst for partnerships and financing opportunities, with Senegal inviting global stakeholders to engage with its transformative energy agenda. AEW 2025 is positioned as a critical platform for showcasing Senegal’s progress and future vision, as the nation cements its role as a rising energy powerhouse in West Africa.