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The Trans-Saharan Gas Pipeline: Concrete Progress vs. Moroccan Illusions

Algeria, Nigeria, and Niger have recently signed agreements to accelerate the implementation of the Trans-Saharan Gas Pipeline (TSGP), a strategic project aimed at transporting Nigerian gas to Europe via Algeria. In contrast, Morocco is desperately trying to promote its alternative, the Nigeria-Morocco Gas Pipeline, a project plagued by financial and technical uncertainties, appearing more as media propaganda than a viable initiative.


The Trans-Saharan Gas Pipeline: A Reliable and Advanced Project

The TSGP spans 4,128 km and is expected to transport 30 billion cubic meters of gas annually from Nigeria to Algeria, where it will be exported to Europe via the Transmed Pipeline (linking Algeria to Italy through Tunisia) or as liquefied natural gas (LNG).

The recent agreements between Algeria, Niger, and Nigeria include:
✔ An updated feasibility study to ensure competitive costs and a reasonable timeline,
✔ A compensation agreement,
✔ A non-disclosure agreement (NDA) between the energy companies of the three countries.

Unlike the Nigeria-Morocco Gas Pipeline, the TSGP is financially and technically viable. Its estimated cost of $10 billion is reasonable and can be financed through self-funding from Algeria and Nigeria, without relying on uncertain foreign loans.

The Nigeria-Morocco Gas Pipeline: A Media Hoax Without Substance

In response to the rapid progress of the Trans-Saharan Gas Pipeline, Morocco is promoting its own Nigeria-Morocco Gas Pipeline, which is supposed to transport gas along the Atlantic coast, crossing 13 countries before reaching Europe.

However, this project faces major obstacles:
❌ A long and complex route, requiring an underwater pipeline over 6,000 km, a technical challenge never attempted before,
❌ Exorbitant costs, estimated at $50 billion, an amount Morocco cannot secure,
❌ High transit fees, as the transit countries would claim 91% of the transported gas, making the project unprofitable,
❌ No secured financing, as Morocco has yet to even gather $100 million for a feasibility study,
❌ Significant political and security risks, as many of the countries along the route face instability.

This project appears to be nothing more than a diversionary tactic, aimed at stalling the Trans-Saharan Gas Pipeline and misleading African nations into believing in a Moroccan alternative, despite the lack of economic or technical credibility.

Moroccan Illusions: From the Gas Pipeline to the "Atlantic Corridor" Fantasy

Following the expected failure of the Nigeria-Morocco Gas Pipeline, Morocco is now pushing another unrealistic initiative: the so-called "Atlantic Corridor" to provide Sahel countries with access to the Atlantic Ocean.

However, this project faces major geopolitical and logistical challenges:

  • Mauritania was not even consulted and did not participate in the summit Morocco held in Marrakech, raising doubts about its support,
  • It could damage relations with West African countries (Togo, Benin, Ghana, Côte d'Ivoire), which already provide port access to Sahel nations,
  • Legal issues, as the route would pass through Western Sahara, a non-autonomous territory under Moroccan occupation,
  • Lack of financing, as the project would require building 7,000 km of roads at an estimated cost of $14 billion, an amount Morocco cannot afford.

Once again, this Moroccan project appears to be another diplomatic and media stunt, reminiscent of the Nigeria-Morocco Gas Pipeline, which has yet to even begin its feasibility study due to a lack of funds.

Algeria: A Leader in African Integration Through Concrete Projects

Unlike Morocco, which sells empty promises, Algeria is implementing real and impactful projects to support Africa’s development:

✅ The Trans-Saharan Highway (4,800 km): Algeria is funding the missing section in Niger to directly connect with Nigeria,
✅ The Trans-Saharan Optical Fiber Project, to boost digital transformation in the Sahel,
✅ The construction of the Tindouf-Zouerate Road (800 km in Mauritania), strengthening trade between the two countries,
✅ Debt forgiveness for several African nations, amounting to $2 billion,
✅ Creation of free trade zones with Mauritania, Mali, and Niger to enhance regional trade.

Unlike Morocco, which prioritizes media hype, Algeria takes a methodical and self-funded approach to ensure its projects become reality.

Algeria’s Approach vs. Morocco’s Tactics: A Clear Contrast

🔴 Morocco relies on media propaganda and serves as a proxy for Western influence, particularly France, attempting to undermine Algeria’s projects in Africa.

🟢 Algeria, staying true to its historical principles, is driving real and sustainable projects, empowering African nations economically without Western dominance.

Conclusion: Between Algerian Realism and Moroccan Deception

While the Trans-Saharan Gas Pipeline moves forward with signed agreements and secured financing, the Nigeria-Morocco Gas Pipeline remains a fantasy with no chance of materializing.

Africa needs real projects, not media-driven illusions. Algeria, with its strategic and practical approach, is shaping the future of Africa, while Morocco continues to sell unattainable dreams.

Algeria builds Africa, while Morocco sells mirages.






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