Summary:

On 21 August 2025, Mauritanian and Senegalese Energy Ministers Mohamed Ould Khaled and Birame Souleye Diop met to discuss the Grand Tortue Ahmeyim (GTA) gas project which has proven to be a milestone energy project in the region.  

The GTA site, operated by BP, Kosmos Energy, Petrosen, and the Mauritanian Hydrocarbons Company (SMH), began production in January 2025 and exported its first liquefied natural gas (LNG) shipment in April. Phase 1 of the project targets an annual production of 2.4 million tons of LNG. 

The GTA discussions form part of a broader framework of cooperation between the two countries. During recent TICAD 9 meetings in Japan, Senegalese President Bassirou Diomaye Faye and Mauritanian President Mohamed Ould Cheikh El Ghazouani reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening dialogue and collaboration, reflecting their historical partnership and shared regional interests. 

The GTA project is expected to create over 3,000 jobs and involve 300+ local companies. A training program is preparing 47 offshore technicians, and in July 2025, two LNG shipments totaling 336,961 m³ highlighted its impact on energy security and economic growth. 

Outlook: 

The GTA project represents an important step in Mauritania’s efforts to modernize its energy sector and expand its influence in the regional gas market. Sustained collaboration with Senegal will be crucial in maximizing operational efficiency and ensuring the long-term viability of the project.  

The scale and visibility of the GTA could encourage international partnerships, attract specialized technical expertise, and strengthen Mauritania’s negotiating position in future energy ventures. Many foreign investors will be carefully watching how the project progresses as a means of evaluating future opportunities with the Mauritanian government. 

As output grows, the project will enable the country to play a more prominent role in regional energy planning, support downstream industrial activities, and provide a platform for strategic policy development that reinforces its energy independence and regional credibility.