Libya hosting African-led Gas forum to help strengthen ties

Tripoli, the capital city of Libya, has been announced as the host city for the 2025 Africa International Gas Forum, which is scheduled for December 6^th-7^th, according to the Moroccan government-friendly outlet North Africa Post on September 20^th.

The event will be organised by Libya’s Ministry of Oil and Gas under the Tripoli-based, UN-supported Government of National Unity (GNU) as both rival administrations in Libya seek to exert their authority on the country’s huge natural oil and gas reserves.

Major energy leaders, including representatives from Libya’s National Oil Corporation (NOC) and other major African gas producers, global investors, and technology innovators, will be present at the forum, which is officially supported by the Oil and Gas Ministry and the NOC.

Tripoli’s announcement of the African-led forum comes in the wake of significant progress between Libya and Nigeria on a huge transcontinental gas project. The pipeline aiming to connect West Africa to Europe through Libya positions the North African country as a key component of energy supply amid an ambitious strategy to create secure energy corridors.

Likewise, Libya has been vocal about the need for enhanced global energy cooperation during a period where the energy transition and external geopolitical tensions threaten to destabilise economic recovery for developing countries. Whilst Libya is keen to diversify its energy sources, the progression of its hydrocarbons sector means international partnerships are vital for stimulating its economic growth, a key factor in hosting the forum.

The Ministry of Oil and Gas portrayed the forum as the only gas-focused forum of any kind in Africa, seeking to re-establish Libya as a crucial energy hub for supplying natural gas to Europe.

Oil exports from Libya to European partners continue to grow, with exports to France growing by 24 percent in the first half of 2025 compared to the previous year, representing a broader inclination from Libya to re-open ties with European nations after over a decade of political instability and isolation.