Dr. Mshelbila became the first leader from sub-Saharan Africa to serve as Secretary General of the GECF when he assumed office on January 1, 2026. His participation at MSGBC 2026 reflects the increasing influence of African gas producers in shaping global energy discussions as the continent transitions from frontier exploration to large-scale LNG production and regional gas development.

Since taking office, Dr. Mshelbila has emphasized the importance of leveraging Africa's natural gas resources to support both international energy markets and domestic industrial growth. His agenda has focused on expanding investment in gas infrastructure, including pipelines, processing facilities and power generation, while advocating for greater access to financing for African energy projects.

This vision aligns closely with the transformation underway across the MSGBC basin. Mauritania and Senegal joined the GECF as observer members in 2023 and 2024, respectively, integrating the region into the forum's technical, analytical and policy networks as major LNG developments moved closer to commercial production.

The basin's transformation is anchored by the Greater Tortue Ahmeyim (GTA) project on the Senegal-Mauritania maritime border, which holds approximately 15 tcf of recoverable gas. Following first gas and its inaugural LNG export, the Gimi FLNG vessel achieved its 2.7-million-ton-per-year nameplate production capacity in late 2025. BP, the project's operator, alongside partner Kosmos Energy are targeting 32-36 LNG cargoes in 2026, underscoring the project's growing contribution to global LNG supply.

Senegal continues advancing the 25-tcf Yakaar-Teranga development, while Mauritania's approximately 80-tcf BirAllah resource moves toward future commercialization. Alongside these export-oriented developments, both countries are advancing gas-to-power infrastructure – including Senegal's planned Saint-Louis power plant and Mauritania's N'Diago project – to expand electricity access and maximize the economic value of domestic gas resources.

Dr. Mshelbila's participation follows a landmark year for the GECF, including the signing of a strategic Memorandum of Understanding with the African Petroleum Producers' Organization in July. The agreement strengthens cooperation on market intelligence, policy coordination and African infrastructure development while supporting emerging gas producers.

At MSGBC Oil, Gas & Power 2026, discussions will examine financing strategies for regional gas projects alongside digital oilfield technologies, subsea engineering, emissions management and cross-border pipeline infrastructure. Ministers, policymakers and industry executives will also explore investment pathways capable of accelerating gas development and helping address Africa's estimated $375 billion gas investment gap.

As global LNG demand continues to expand and African gas assumes greater strategic importance, Dr. Mshelbila's participation reinforces MSGBC Oil, Gas & Power 2026 as a leading platform for advancing investment, strengthening regional cooperation and connecting governments, developers and international investors shaping the future of West Africa's gas sector.

Explore opportunities, foster partnerships and stay at the forefront of the MSGBC region's oil, gas and power sectors. Visit www.msgbcoilgasandpower.com to secure your participation at the MSGBC Oil, Gas & Power 2026 conference, December 1-3, Dakar. To sponsor or participate as a delegate, please contact sales@energycapitalpower.com.