On the sidelines of the World Bank Spring Meetings in Washington, the Minister of Mines, Petroleum and Energy, Mamadou Sangafowa Coulibaly , unveiled Côte d'Ivoire's roadmap for the gas sector. The message is clear: national self-sufficiency is the top priority.

Energy independence before immediate profit

Unlike many producing countries that immediately turn to exports to generate foreign exchange, Côte d'Ivoire has chosen an approach focused on its internal development. The minister emphasized that the government does not plan to build liquefaction facilities until domestic needs are fully met.

"We must first satisfy domestic demand before liquefying the surplus for export," said Sangafowa Coulibaly.

This strategy aims to transform natural gas into a true engine of industrialization , rather than simply a raw export resource.

Massive infrastructure needs

To support this vision, the minister has identified key investment priorities. The sector requires significant capital to build a robust value chain, including:

1. The deployment of new pipelines ;
2. The construction of processing plants;
3. Connecting the deposits to the thermal power plants .

The "Calao" deposit: A strategic turning point

Faced with electricity demand surging by 10% to 15% annually , Côte d'Ivoire is counting on its recent discoveries to alleviate supply tensions. The Calao gas field, with its estimated 5 trillion cubic feet of reserves, is central to this ambition. According to the minister, this potential could eventually triple the country's energy production .

Breaking with the African energy paradox

In conclusion to his speech, Sangafowa Coulibaly lamented a persistent continental reality: Africa holds colossal reserves (650 trillion cubic feet of gas), but still exports 70% to 80% of its crude oil only to buy it back in refined form at exorbitant prices.

Ivory Coast intends to break this cycle by securing its sustainable supply and consolidating its position as an electricity hub for the West African sub-region.