Côte d’Ivoire prioritizes domestic gas processing to strengthen energy sovereignty

The Ivorian government is accelerating its strategy to prioritize the local transformation of natural gas as new offshore discoveries expand the country’s energy potential, according to energy authorities.

Mamadou Sangafowa Coulibaly reaffirmed that Côte d’Ivoire aims to use its natural gas resources primarily to meet domestic energy demand and support regional electricity supply, rather than focusing on raw exports.

The policy shift is designed to increase local value creation, strengthen industrial development, and reduce dependence on imported energy products. It also forms part of a broader strategy to reinforce national energy sovereignty.

Officials say the approach marks a break from the traditional African model of exporting unprocessed natural resources, instead emphasizing domestic transformation and industrial integration.

The renewed strategy comes as recent offshore gas discoveries boost the country’s reserves, offering new opportunities to expand electricity generation capacity and support economic growth.

Authorities say the long-term goal is to position Côte d’Ivoire as a regional energy hub while ensuring stable and secure domestic energy supply.