According to the International Energy Agency, global gas demand growth is expected to accelerate in 2026, rising to around 2% as a significant increase in LNG supply eases tight market fundamentals. This ramp-up is expected to come from major export projects in the U.S., Canada and Qatar. At the same time, commodity price trends suggest that gas markets may soon experience downward pressure. The World Bank projects global commodity prices – including energy – will fall sharply in 2026, driven by a growing oil surplus and uncertainty. Meanwhile, in its gas‑market outlook, the Gas Exporting Countries Forum Secretariat expects Title Transfer Facility (TTF) and Japan/Korea Marker gas prices to average around $11 per million BTU in 2026, based on futures contracts.

In Europe specifically, TTF gas prices are projected to average around €30/MWh in 2026, with potential summer lows near €26/MWh, driven in part by the expansion of new LNG capacity. S&P Global Commodity Insights also notes a strengthening backwardation in summer‑winter gas contracts for 2026, reflecting expectations of looser supply later in the year.

What this means for Africa is clear: as the global gas market softens, relying solely on exports may become less profitable. By channeling gas into power generation, industrial clusters and local infrastructure, producers can lock in demand, stabilize revenues and reduce exposure to volatile global spot markets. For example, Angola’s Quiluma and Maboqueiro offshore gas project balances supply between the national grid and exports; Senegal’s planned Yakaar‑Teranga project is focused on domestic demand; while Nigeria’s Escravos‑Lagos Pipeline System supports industrial and power needs, illustrating how integrated domestic strategies can complement export revenues.

At IAE 2026, the panel will bring together African energy stakeholders, industrial gas users, power utilities and international investors to explore how to build this domestic demand. Key topics will include how to integrate gas supply with industrialization strategies, how governments and companies can collaborate on midstream infrastructure including pipelines, storage and dispatchable power, and what regulatory or pricing frameworks can support long-term gas consumption at home.

For investors, these discussions reflect a major opportunity. As African nations build out their domestic gas markets, the potential for new projects – from gas-fired plants to cluster‑based industrial hubs – becomes more attractive. The Forum will provide a rare platform for decision‑makers to talk directly to global financiers, developers and utility players about where future gas demand may come from.

IAE 2026 is an exclusive forum designed to connect African energy markets with global investors, serving as a key platform for deal-making in the lead-up to African Energy Week. Scheduled for April 22–23, 2026, in Paris, the event will provide delegates with two days of in-depth engagement with industry experts, project developers, investors and policymakers. For more information, visit www.invest-africa-energy.com. To sponsor or register as a delegate, please contact sales@energycapitalpower.com