Senegal has announced plans to nationalise the Yakaar-Teranga gas project, one of the world’s most significant recent gas discoveries, as part of efforts to prioritize domestic energy needs. The announcement was made by Energy Minister Birame Souleye Diop during a conference held in Diamniadio on Tuesday.
The project, currently operated by Kosmos Energy, holds an estimated 25 trillion cubic feet of recoverable gas—surpassing even Israel’s Leviathan field. Kosmos became the operator in 2023 after BP exited the venture, leaving the U.S.-based firm with a 90 percent stake, while Senegal’s state-owned Petrosen retains 10 percent.
Minister Diop stated that the government intends to hand full operational control to Petrosen, which he says has the capacity to develop the resource for domestic consumption while still keeping the option to export. He emphasized that nationalizing the project aligns with Senegal’s strategy to secure long-term energy independence.
Petrosen previously projected a final investment decision in 2025, though no official confirmation has been made. The company also partners with Kosmos and BP in the Greater Tortue Ahmeyim LNG project shared by Senegal and Mauritania, which loaded its first cargo earlier this year.
According to the minister, bringing Yakaar-Teranga fully under national oversight will help Senegal meet rising local gas demand and strengthen its position in the regional energy market.