Algeria’s ambitious plan to build a trans-Saharan gas pipeline connecting Nigeria to Europe via Niger faces the looming threat of collapse, amid escalating political tensions between Algiers and several Sahel countries—chief among them, Niger—which, according to specialized energy platform Attaqa, may be considering pulling out of the project.
Citing highly informed Algerian sources, Attaqa reported that Niger has halted the launch of final studies for the trilateral gas pipeline project with Nigeria and Algeria. The project was initially expected to reach a final investment decision by 2026 at the latest.
While the platform did not specify the reasons behind Niger’s suspension of technical studies, the current political climate appears to offer clear clues. A sharp diplomatic rift has emerged between Algiers and Niamey, particularly after Niger withdrew its ambassador from Algeria in solidarity with Mali, whose military drone was recently downed by Algerian forces near the border.
Algeria responded in kind by recalling its ambassador from Niger, replicating similar moves it made with Mali and Burkina Faso—further deepening the political rift. The suspension of Niger's involvement in the pipeline is seen by analysts as a direct consequence of this diplomatic fallout.
Fueling tensions further, Algeria has since April intensified mass deportations of sub-Saharan migrants across its southern border with Niger. This has triggered sharp criticism from Niamey. Niger’s public broadcaster, Télé Sahel, recently aired a report condemning the expulsions, describing them as inhumane and contrary to African and international legal norms.
The report stated that Algeria’s habitual policies had led to the forced deportation of thousands of Africans, including a significant number of Nigerien nationals, which reflects Niamey's growing discontent with Algeria’s actions.
Niger's suspension of final technical studies represents a serious setback for Algeria’s pipeline ambitions, particularly as Algiers had been pushing in recent months to fast-track the project. This urgency is partly driven by Algeria’s desire to outpace Morocco, which is developing a competing transcontinental gas pipeline with Nigeria, traversing multiple West African countries.
Morocco’s project, widely seen as an alternative strategic route for African gas to Europe, has gained momentum under the framework of the Atlantic African States Initiative—an effort strongly supported by Rabat and increasingly embraced by regional actors.
Speaker of Morocco’s House of Representatives, Rachid Talbi Alami, recently emphasized that the Atlantic African Initiative is a strategic plan to transform Africa’s Atlantic front into an integrated economic space. The initiative aligns with Morocco’s broader continental vision and leverages its advanced infrastructure, including world-class ports and road connectivity.
The initiative, which has gathered significant momentum since 2022, aims to position Africa as a key player in global trade, deepen cooperation among Atlantic-bordering countries, and support flagship projects such as the Morocco–Nigeria gas pipeline. This project stands out as a credible and strategic alternative for supplying Europe with African gas, strengthening Morocco’s role as a vital player in global energy security.
Rabat is banking on its robust infrastructure, including the Tanger Med port and the upcoming Dakhla Atlantic port, alongside strategic road networks, to attract investment and accelerate implementation of the transcontinental pipeline.
