By Hassana Mbeirick, Consultant international
In Dakar (Senegal), the curtains fell on the 2nd edition of the MSGBC Conference, and the 3rd edition is scheduled to be held next year in Nouakchott (Mauritania). 2023 will be the year of the first GTA gas molecule placed on the world market; in other words, the meeting in Nouakchott will mark history.
With a fairly substantial potential per country (GIIP-OIIP) and a huge global potential, countries of the MSGBC basin represent a coveted opportunity to play a leading role in the global LNG supply.
In the current context of the global energy crisis, caused and exacerbated by the major conflict in Ukraine, the future of the world is being reshaped in a perspective strewn with uncertainties.
– It is certain that there will be a “before” and an “after” conflict in Ukraine;
– It is certain that new geographical spheres of influence in the world will emerge;
– It is certain that the trend towards the regionalization of international trade will be inexorable;
– It is certain that the terms of bilateral trade will be “reviewed and corrected”
– It is certain that if we do not take our future in hand, no one else will do it for us.
All of these factors combined – with others – mean that our future is being played out today, AND ONLY TODAY.
I suggest to our leaders the set up of a strategic alliance between the countries of the MSGBC basin (Mauritania, Senegal, Gambia, Guinea Bissau and Guinea-Conakry) as an MSGBC Block (kind of sub-regional mini OPEC):
Such an alliance will have the advantages – at the very least:
1. Strengthening the attraction of FDI to the MSGBC destination
2. Reinforcement and Harmonization of positions in favour of fossil fuels investments
3. Harmonization of “Climate” and Green Hydrogen policies
4. Consolidation and Harmonization of regulatory frameworks
5. Securing domestic supplies and industrialization policies
6. Consolidation and Harmonization of Local Content Policies
7. Fostering South-South knowledge sharing and skills transfer
8. Reinforcement of commercial positions during negotiations of international contracts (Spot/long term) for gas supply
9. Strategic monitoring and Harmonization of pricing policies in relation to fluctuations/disturbance in the global market
10. Better responsiveness to exogenous shocks as well as to any major energy crisis
The Bloc MSGBC alliance will be strengthened by other ECOWAS member countries with significant hydrocarbon potential: Ghana and Côte d’Ivoire.
Unless everyone wants to pull the blanket on their side…
