China

China remains Africa’s largest trading partner and a major consumer of its crude oil. Approximately 20% of the region's exports are destined for China, with crude oil accounting for around 40% of these exports. Angola and Nigeria have historically served as top suppliers to meet China's high energy demands, with China receiving over 70% of Angola’s oil exports, making it the country’s largest oil importer. China's demand for African oil is likely to remain strong due to its reliance on diverse sources to ensure energy security and fuel its economic growth. However, its shift towards cleaner energy sources could gradually reduce oil imports, while increasing LNG imports from African suppliers.

India

India consistently ranks among Africa’s top crude oil importers. In Q1 2024, Nigeria alone exported roughly $770 million of crude oil to India, representing 67% of its total exports to India. The subcontinent relies heavily on Nigerian light, sweet crude grades due to their low sulfur content and suitability for producing cleaner fuels. With its growing population and energy needs, India is expected to continue importing large volumes of crude from Africa. The country’s efforts to diversify and secure its energy supply, including potential investments in African energy infrastructure, further cement this relationship.

European Union

The European Union’s (EUs) member states, particularly France, Spain and the Netherlands, have been key importers of Africa’s energy. Following the war in Ukraine, the EU ramped up efforts to reduce its dependence on Russian energy sources, turning to African countries such as Algeria and Nigeria for LNG. In August 2024, 37% of West African LNG cargoes were exported to Europe, owing to cheaper shipping costs and lower oil-linked contract prices to the European continent. The EU's pivot away from Russian energy and focus on reducing emissions make African LNG increasingly attractive, with Algeria alone serving as the bloc’s third-largest natural gas supplier. Investments in LNG infrastructure and renewable energy partnerships could deepen Africa-EU energy ties over the next decade.

Brazil

Brazil, as part of South-South trade, has become a growing market for African crude oil, especially from West African producers. In 2023, the country imported $658 million worth of crude oil from Angola, representing nearly 90% of its total imports from Angola. While Brazil is currently the ninth-largest oil producer globally at around 3.3 million barrels per day, the country is actively seeking to diversify its energy sources and grow its national reserves amid fluctuating supply chains. Brazil’s ties with African crude exporters are poised for steady growth, especially as both regions explore South-South trade.

Turkey

While Turkey has historically sourced its oil and gas from a mix of domestic production and international imports from Iraq, Russia and Azerbaijan, the country is emerging as an essential buyer of African crude and gas. In 2023, Turkey extended its gas supply contract with Algeria for three years, buying 4.4 billion cubic meters of LNG annually. Turkey’s strategic location and desire to be a regional energy hub suggest growing imports of African gas and crude. Stronger energy agreements with African suppliers, especially for LNG, could play a key role in regional energy dynamics.

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