Pétrole et gaz : Le Sénégal mise sur ses ressources pour accélérer son développement économique (Abdourahmane Diouf)
Senegal intends to leverage oil and gas as drivers of its economic development and energy sovereignty. This was the message conveyed by Abdourahmane Diouf, Minister of Energy and Petroleum, in an interview with RT in French, on the sidelines of an international gas forum in Moscow. Diouf advocated for the development of national resources, an energy transition tailored to African realities, and the diversification of international partnerships, particularly with Russia.
On this occasion, the minister stressed the importance of this meeting for a country whose oil production started in June 2024 and gas production in January 2025. According to him, Senegal wishes to draw on the experience of producing countries, particularly Russia, to strengthen its technical skills, attract investment and accelerate the development of its industry.
A just energy transition for Africa
Abdourahmane Diouf advocated for an energy transition that takes into account the level of development of African countries. He indicated that Senegal must be able to exploit its fossil fuel resources to combat poverty and finance its development, while gradually preparing for the transition to renewable energies.
“We are a young nation that has just discovered oil and gas. We say yes to renewables, but also yes to fossil fuels. We need time to have a differentiated transition, a just transition that allows us to solve our problems of poverty and economic development based on the gas we have,” he summarized.
Gas at the service of the people
According to the Ministry of Energy, the Senegalese government intends to reconcile hydrocarbon exports, necessary to generate foreign exchange earnings, with the needs of the domestic market. The objective is, in particular, to develop the "Gas-to-Power" program, which aims to use natural gas to power electricity plants and reduce the cost of electricity.
He also mentioned a potential decrease of at least 30% in electricity costs once the necessary infrastructure is operational. However, he did not provide a specific timeline.
The development of the Yakaar-Teranga gas field is among the major challenges. According to Abdourahmane Diouf, Senegal is seeking partners capable of supporting its exploitation while ensuring that domestic needs are met.
Petrosen is expected to ramp up its power
The strengthening of the national company Petrosen is another major focus of Senegal's strategy. The minister explained that institutional reforms were underway to enhance the efficiency of the public company and enable it to eventually become a leading oil and gas operator.
The planned reorganization must in particular better structure exploration and production activities, downstream operations as well as professional training, through the National Institute of Oil and Gas.
He also indicated that Petrosen does not yet have the same technical and financial capabilities as major international companies such as BP, Woodside, Eni or Gazprom.
To bridge this gap, Senegal intends to rely on partnerships that include technology transfers, training programs, and the strengthening of local skills. "Sovereignty is not just slogans, it's not just words, it's the reality on the ground. Senegal must gradually acquire the necessary skills to gain greater control over its energy sector," he stated.
Moscow , one partner among others
Cooperation with Russia is part of a strategy to diversify partnerships. The minister mentioned exchanges with Russian authorities and the potential benefits of collaboration with Gazprom, while also noting that Senegal intends to work with France, the United States, China, the European Union, and the Gulf countries.
The minister also stressed the importance of West African energy integration, particularly through the interconnection of electricity networks, in order to improve supply and promote universal access to electricity, the objective set for 2029-2030.
Commentaires (25)
Dans un discours récent, Marine Le Pen constate la perte d'influence de la France en Afrique, la perte du Mali, du Niger et du Burkina. Elle en accuse Macron d'en être le responsable. Parce que ce qu'il faut comprendre, c'est le réveil africain, et en tirer la conclusion que la méthode forte ne marchera pas. Macron ne l'a pas compris, et il fait perdre à la France tous ses acquis.
Donc, eux comprennent le réveil de l'Afrique. Mais les politiciens autour de Diomaye, eux, continent de parler aux sénégalais comme s'ils étaient dans leur sommeil de 1950.
Et le plus marrant, c'est qu'il leur faut arborer costume, cravate et lunettes pour prononcer leurs bêtises, comme pour les immortaliser. Pour reprendre l'opportuniste president par accident.
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