Côte d'Ivoire takes a new step toward unlocking its natural gas potential with Gas Master Plan initiative

Côte d'Ivoire has reached a new milestone in its strategy to develop its significant natural gas discoveries by signing a memorandum of understanding with the World Bank and energy group Eni to prepare a Gas Master Plan.

The agreement, signed on Wednesday in Abidjan by the Ministry of Mines, Petroleum and Energy, formalizes the commitment of the three partners to work together on the studies required to design a comprehensive roadmap for the country's natural gas transportation and processing infrastructure, according to a government statement.

The Gas Master Plan will identify the infrastructure needed in the coming years to support the expected growth of Côte d'Ivoire's gas production. It will also establish a regulatory and institutional framework aimed at attracting private investment into gas infrastructure development.

The plan is designed to improve energy security, support industrial growth, strengthen electricity generation capacity, and reinforce Côte d'Ivoire’s position as a regional energy hub in West Africa.

The government said the initiative builds on major gas discoveries made in recent years, which have opened new opportunities for the country’s energy sector.

Under the agreement, the roles of each partner have been defined. The Ivorian government will provide strategic leadership throughout the process, while the World Bank will offer technical and financial support, particularly through the PRIME-GAS project. Eni Côte d'Ivoire will contribute its expertise in the development of large-scale integrated gas projects.

For the three partners, the signing of the memorandum represents an important step toward building the infrastructure required to fully exploit Côte d'Ivoire’s growing gas resources.

In the long term, the project aims to support the structural transformation of the Ivorian economy, enhance energy security, and promote sustainable economic growth through better utilization of domestically produced natural gas.