Algeria has secured the second position in Africa for its gas-based electricity generation capacity, boasting 26.46 gigawatts (GW) of operational capacity. This represents approximately 22% of the total capacity operating in the continent, according to recent data from a specialized energy research unit as of August 2026. Egypt leads the list with 53.72 GW, while Libya and Nigeria follow in third and fourth place with 12.40 GW and 11.01 GW, respectively.
The data highlights the pivotal role of natural gas in Algeria's energy mix, with the country relying on it for nearly 99% of its electricity production. This makes Algeria one of the African countries most dependent on natural gas for meeting its electricity needs. The country's significant reliance on gas is reflected in its electricity generation, with Algeria producing around 95 terawatt-hours (TWh) of electricity from gas, placing it second on the continent.
Algeria, along with Egypt and Libya, is among three North African countries that collectively account for about 76% of Africa's total gas-based electricity generation capacity. These countries have a combined capacity of 92.58 GW, out of a continental total of 121.5 GW. The concentration of gas-based power plants in North Africa is evident, with the region accounting for 99.4 GW, or approximately 82% of the continent's total capacity.
The ranking of African countries by gas-based electricity generation capacity continues with Tunisia in fourth place, boasting 5.45 GW. Ghana follows with 3.98 GW, while Côte d'Ivoire, South Africa, Morocco, and Angola have 1.47 GW, 1.29 GW, 0.87 GW, and 0.72 GW, respectively. These countries collectively account for a significant share of the continent's gas-based electricity generation capacity.
The top 10 African countries in terms of gas-based electricity generation capacity have a combined total of 117.4 GW, which is approximately 97% of the continent's total capacity. This indicates a high level of concentration in the sector, with a few countries dominating the landscape. Algeria's position as the second-largest gas-based electricity generator in Africa underscores its importance in the regional energy landscape.
The data also highlights the dominance of Egypt, which leads the list with a significant capacity of 53.72 GW. The country's position is a reflection of its large-scale investments in gas-based power generation and its strategic importance in meeting regional energy demands. Egypt's leadership in this area is likely to continue, given its extensive gas reserves and ongoing efforts to expand its power generation capacity.
The reliance on natural gas for electricity generation in Algeria and other African countries is likely to continue, given the abundance of gas reserves on the continent and the relatively low costs associated with gas-based power generation. However, efforts to diversify energy mixes and explore alternative sources of electricity, such as renewables, are also underway in many countries.
Key points
- Algeria has 26.46 GW of gas-based electricity generation capacity.
- Egypt leads Africa with 53.72 GW of gas-based electricity generation capacity.
- North African countries account for approximately 82% of Africa's total gas-based electricity generation capacity.
