Morocco pushes $25bn gas pipeline despite having no gas of its own

Morocco has been promoting a $25 billion pipeline project that would carry Nigerian gas to Europe, even though the country itself has almost no natural gas. The proposed African Atlantic Gas Pipeline (AAGP) would stretch about 6,900 kilometers across 13 West African countries before reaching Morocco. From there, gas would be shipped to Europe. However, critics question the project's feasibility. Morocco's rival, Algeria, is already building a shorter and cheaper pipeline. Algeria's Trans-Saharan Gas Pipeline (TSGP) will run about 4,000 kilometers from Nigeria to Algeria via Niger, costing $10-13 billion. Construction on the Algerian section began in June 2026. The TSGP uses existing infrastructure and crosses only three countries, making it simpler and less risky. In contrast, the AAGP would take at least 10 years to build and passes through poorer, less stable nations. Morocco has no history of gas production or trade, but it has marketed the pipeline as a way to boost energy security for Europe and development for Africa. It is now seeking US financing and plans to sign an intergovernmental agreement with Nigeria later in 2026. Analysts say a signed agreement does not guarantee a finished pipeline, and the project faces major economic and political hurdles. Nigeria will ultimately decide whether to back the pipeline, based on its own interests.