The Secretary-General of the Gas Exporting Countries Forum (GECF), Philip Mshelbila, has revealed that more than 600 million people across Africa still lack access to electricity, while an even larger number remain without access to clean cooking solutions.
Mshelbila made the disclosure in his remarks at the 2026 Nigeria International Energy Summit, held at the State House, Abuja.
He noted that Africa’s per capita energy consumption is barely one-third of the global average, stressing that the continent’s total energy demand must at least triple by 2050 if Africa is to genuinely escape energy poverty.
“While more than 600 million Africans still lack access to electricity, GECF analysis indicates that Africa’s total energy consumption must at least triple by 2050 to place the continent on a genuine path out of energy poverty,” he said.
According to him, achieving this goal would require a fundamental structural transformation of Africa’s energy systems, with natural gas playing a central role.
“Natural gas is central to this transformation—whether it is converted into electricity, used for fertiliser production to strengthen food security, or deployed through LPG to provide clean cooking,” Mshelbila stated.
The former Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Nigeria LNG Limited (NLNG) explained that global energy demand has risen dramatically from about 40 exajoules in the 18th century to approximately 635 exajoules in 2024, enabling unprecedented industrialisation and improved living standards, even as fossil fuels continue to dominate the global energy mix.
He challenged policymakers and business leaders to factor population growth into long-term planning, warning that failure to do so could undermine future development.
“If in your long-term planning you have not factored in the 400 million Nigerians that will be in this country in another 25 years, you have to go back to the drawing board,” he said.
Mshelbila added that Africa’s population is projected to reach about 2.5 billion, stressing that governments and institutions must plan for future needs in healthcare, education, infrastructure and services.
Highlighting the resilience of natural gas amid recent global energy crises, he said gas remains the cleanest hydrocarbon and is expected to play an even larger role in the global energy mix.
“GCF analysis shows that global primary energy demand will rise by nearly 20 per cent by 2050, driven by economic growth and population increase. Natural gas stands at the centre of meeting this demand securely, affordably and sustainably,” he said.
Mshelbila commended developments in Nigeria’s energy sector, describing the country as a critical pillar in Africa’s gas narrative.
“Nigeria stands at the forefront of Africa’s gas story. You cannot tell the African gas story without Nigeria,” he said.
He noted that the GECF, which comprises 20 member countries controlling about 70 per cent of the world’s proven natural gas reserves and nearly half of global LNG exports, has Nigeria as a pioneer member.
According to him, Nigeria not only occupies the position of Secretary-General of the forum but also holds the rotating presidency of the GECF for the year 2026.
