Mauritania redefines global role by entering LNG market at critical time

Mauritania has officially joined the ranks of liquefied natural gas (LNG) exporters with the launch of the Greater Tortue Ahmeyim (GTA) project in 2025—a development that could reshape its position in the global pecking order. The milestone comes at a time when supply chains, regulatory standards, and market access are being renegotiated worldwide.

This shift marks more than an economic achievement but rather positions Mauritania as an emerging geoeconomic actor. According to an article by Geopolitical Monitor delving into the West African nation's transformation, strategic value lies less in sheer output and more in timing, governance, and market flexibility. 

Unlike the traditional geopolitical competition focused on reserves and production scale, the current energy landscape prioritizes regulatory compliance, emissions accountability, and the ability to navigate volatile markets.

Operated by BP alongside partners Kosmos Energy, SMH (Mauritania), and PETROSEN (Senegal), the GTA project represents an investment of roughly $4.8–5 billion for Phase 1. Using floating liquefaction technology, Mauritania and Senegal have sidestepped the delays associated with building onshore terminals, allowing exports to begin ahead of schedule.

Initial output will be modest—around 2.3 million tonnes per annum (mtpa)—a fraction of Nigeria’s 22 mtpa LNG capacity. However, GTA’s timely execution offers a competitive advantage, especially compared to projects in regions plagued by instability, such as Mozambique. Senegal, Mauritania’s partner in GTA, has also aggressively positioned itself to attract foreign energy investment, strengthening the corridor’s credibility.

Portfolio of choices

Mauritania’s energy potential extends beyond GTA. The BirAllah field, entirely within Mauritanian waters, holds an estimated 50 trillion cubic feet (Tcf) of gas reserves. Combined with abundant solar and wind resources and a strategic Atlantic coastline within days of European markets, Mauritania is building an energy portfolio that could secure long-term relevance in a decarbonizing global economy.

The war in Ukraine compelled Europe to rapidly overhaul its gas import strategy, turning to the United States, Norway, Qatar, Azerbaijan and Algeria to offset the loss of Russian supplies. Mauritania’s first LNG shipments arrive at a time when European markets are actively seeking new, reliable sources.

As the article argues, moving from discovery to production changes Mauritania’s standing with investors and international partners. For global lenders, the successful rollout signals technical capability, contractual reliability, and effective cross-border cooperation with Senegal. Domestically, it delivers long-promised energy progress, bolstering political legitimacy.

“Credibility is not symbolic but a form of capital,” notes Geopolitical Monitor. It can be deployed across finance, diplomacy, and regional politics, giving Mauritania leverage beyond raw production numbers.

The ultimate challenge for Mauritania will be securing sustainable markets in an era where credibility is judged not just on delivered volumes but on emissions compliance and transparency. The article's author argues that for Europe—a key target market—Mauritania’s value will hinge on its ability to align with low-carbon standards and maintain contractual integrity.

By Nazrin Sadigova