Turning Methane into Opportunity: How Smart Regulations Can Strengthen Africa’s Oil and Gas Sector?

Supporting economic growth and addressing the climate crisis is a dual challenge that Africa’s oil and gas sector is facing. Methane is one of the most potent drivers of climate change. Indeed, this greenhouse gas is 80 times more powerful than CO₂ over a 20-year period. Yet, smart methane regulation presents a remarkable opportunity for the continent to be a leader in responsible energy development.

The Sahara and Sahel Observatory, with the technical support of the Clean Air Task Force (CATF) and the Lemelson Foundation funding, is working to raise awareness and build capacity on methane management in North Africa.

It is true that Maghreb countries have commercially solid oil and gas sectors, but none have adopted specific methane regulations. Even though Egypt is progressing toward regulatory action, implementation is lagging behind. Not only, the absence of regulation poses environmental threat but also misses economic opportunities — as every ton of methane lost is also lost revenue.

Drawing on successful experiences in Ghana and Nigeria, where CATF collaborated with national agencies to build institutional capacity and implement methane monitoring systems, the OSS is trying to pave the way for action. These case studies are a living proof that Africa can lead the way for methane emissions reduction.

Through regional dialogue, knowledge sharing, and policy engagement, the OSS is aligning this action with its 2030 Strategy, particularly in climate change mitigation, governance, and the science-policy interface. Such an endeavor would give North African countries a key role in responsible energy transition while improving their access to international finance, and strengthening their international reliability.

Time has come for North Africa to turn methane from a climate threat into a sustainable growth asset.