From Discovery To Delivery: Driving Africa’s Next Generation Of Gas Projects

Antoine Berel, Vice President, Sub-Saharan Africa at Halliburton, examines how technology, operational efficiency and local expertise can help turn Africa’s gas discoveries into successful projects, ahead of the Africa Gas & LNG Summit in Mozambique.

What will it take to turn Africa’s gas discoveries into successful projects that deliver lasting economic value? This question will be central to the Africa Gas & LNG Summit (AfGLNG), taking place from 11–13 November 2026 at the Joaquim Chissano International Conference Centre in Maputo, Mozambique.

For Berel, the challenge is turning gas discoveries into production. “A discovery creates potential, but development creates value. The difference between the two is whether the industry can convert a resource into safe, reliable, and economically sustainable production.”

What it takes to deliver

Turning that potential into production requires careful planning from the outset. Understanding how much gas can be recovered, its long-term productivity and the infrastructure needed to bring it to market is essential.

“Execution readiness is equally important. Equipment, logistics, infrastructure, and local suppliers must be prepared with a realistic schedule, with safety and service quality embedded from the outset,” Berel explains.

Earlier production can improve returns and reduce exposure to market uncertainty.

Advanced reservoir imaging, artificial intelligence (AI), digital planning and automation can reduce uncertainty and improve performance. Yet Berel emphasises that technology must be supported by experienced teams, coordinated operations and clear accountability.

Building a competitive African industry

African liquefied natural gas (LNG) projects compete globally for investment and customers. Beyond resource quality, attracting capital depends on reliable delivery, competitive costs and sustained performance.

But Africa’s diverse operating environments demand different approaches.

“Africa is not one market. Each development must reflect its operating environment, infrastructure, regulatory framework, and national priorities,” Berel explains.

Beyond exports, gas can support domestic electricity generation, industrialisation and energy security. Equally important is ensuring that African businesses and workers benefit from the industry’s expansion.

Developing national talent, qualifying local suppliers and strengthening in-country manufacturing, maintenance and logistics can improve operational resilience while retaining more economic value locally.

Berel also highlights the importance of a competitive services sector. Suppliers need confidence to invest in skills and technology, while concentrating critical work among too few providers can limit competition, restrict innovation and weaken the industry’s long-term resilience.

These priorities will feature at AfGLNG 2026, where discussions on investment, infrastructure and industrialisation will be complemented by a dedicated session exploring opportunities for small and medium-sized enterprises and entrepreneurs.

Officially endorsed by H.E. Daniel Chapo, President of the Republic of Mozambique, and the Ministry of Mineral Resources and Energy (MIREME), AfGLNG 2026 will bring together government and industry leaders to examine investment, infrastructure and regional cooperation across Africa’s gas sector.

Together, these discussions reflect Berel’s wider vision for the continent.

“Africa’s opportunity is not simply to supply more gas to the world. It is to become a globally competitive source of energy through predictable execution, responsible operations, advanced technology, strong local collaboration, and lasting national capability development.”

For more information, visit www.africagaslng.com.