- Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) Exports refer to the total volume of liquefied natural gas shipped from a country to international markets during a given year.
Africa Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) Exports was 55.60 Billion Cubic Metres in 2023, up 2.8% on 2022. The Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) Exports dataset of Africa from 2015 to 2023 provides an overview of regional LNG export performance, highlighting export trends, trade developments, and Africa's role in the global LNG market. Measured in million cubic metres (mcm), the dataset represents the total annual volume of LNG exported across the region.
Africa Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) Exports moved from 48.50 Billion Cubic Metres in 2015 to 55.60 Billion Cubic Metres in 2023 (+14.6%), an average of +1.7% a year. The series high was 61.60 Billion Cubic Metres in 2019 and the low 46.20 Billion Cubic Metres in 2016.
The gap between the series high (2019) and low (2016) is 15.40 Billion Cubic Metres. The sharpest single-year move was +20.6% in 2017.
Within Africa, Algeria has the highest value in 2023 at 19.00 Billion Cubic Metres, 34.2% of the regional total.
Country ranking
Billion Cubic Metres. Sort by any column, or search for a country.
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By region
Billion Cubic Metres, 2023. Each bar is that region's total.
Full series
Complete annual series with year-on-year change. Values are reported in Billion Cubic Metres.
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| Year | Billion Cubic Metres | Change vs prior year |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 55.60 | +2.8% |
| 2022 | 54.10 | −6.9% |
| 2021 | 58.10 | +3.8% |
| 2020 | 56.00 | −9.1% |
| 2019Peak | 61.60 | +15.1% |
| 2018 | 53.50 | −3.9% |
| 2017 | 55.70 | +20.6% |
| 2016 Trough | 46.20 | −4.7% |
| 2015 | 48.50 | — |
Data definition
Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) Exports — - Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) Exports refer to the total volume of liquefied natural gas shipped from a country to international markets during a given year. LNG is natural gas that has been cooled to approximately −162°C, converting it into a liquid state for efficient storage and long-distance transportation by specialized LNG carriers. The indicator is typically measured in billion cubic meters (bcm) after regasification or in equivalent LNG volumes and represents the quantity of domestically produced natural gas exported in liquefied form. LNG Exports are an important measure of a country's natural gas production capacity, export infrastructure, participation in global LNG trade, and contribution to international energy markets.
The data includes all LNG cargoes exported from liquefaction terminals to international destinations under long-term contracts, spot market sales, and short-term trade agreements. It covers LNG produced from both associated and non-associated natural gas fields after processing, purification, and liquefaction. The indicator includes exports transported by specialized LNG carriers to importing countries and reflects LNG supplied to global markets regardless of the final destination. Export volumes are compiled using standardized international trade statistics, customs records, port authority data, and national energy reporting methodologies, ensuring consistent comparison of LNG export volumes across countries and over time.
The data excludes pipeline natural gas exports, domestically consumed natural gas, liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), natural gas liquids (NGLs), compressed natural gas (CNG), and other gaseous fuels that are not exported in liquefied natural gas form. It also excludes LNG imports, domestic LNG storage, LNG bunkering for marine fuel where reported separately, and transit shipments that do not originate from domestic liquefaction facilities. The indicator does not measure liquefaction capacity, terminal utilization rates, natural gas production, export revenues, or the economic value of LNG exports. Minor variations may occur due to differences in national reporting practices, customs classifications, conversion factors, cargo accounting methods, and statistical estimation methodologies across countries.
Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) Exports — - Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) Exports refer to the total volume of liquefied natural gas shipped from a country to international markets during a given year. LNG is natural gas that has been cooled to approximately −162°C, converting it into a liquid state for efficient storage and long-distance transportation by specialized LNG carriers. The indicator is typically measured in billion cubic meters (bcm) after regasification or in equivalent LNG volumes and represents the quantity of domestically produced natural gas exported in liquefied form. LNG Exports are an important measure of a country's natural gas production capacity, export infrastructure, participation in global LNG trade, and contribution to international energy markets.
It serves as an important indicator of natural gas production, liquefaction capacity, export competitiveness, and the contribution of LNG exports to regional energy trade.
Africa exported 48,500 mcm of LNG in 2015, declining to 46,200 mcm in 2016 before increasing to 55,700 mcm in 2017. Regional exports eased to 53,500 mcm in 2018 before rising to 61,600 mcm in 2019. Exports declined to 56,000 mcm in 2020, recovered to 58,100 mcm in 2021, decreased to 54,100 mcm in 2022, and increased slightly to 55,600 mcm in 2023. Nigeria remained the region's largest LNG exporter despite exports declining from 26,900 mcm in 2015 to 17,500 mcm in 2023. Algeria strengthened its position by increasing exports from 16,600 mcm to 19,000 mcm over the same period. Egypt exported 4,900 mcm in 2023 following fluctuations, while Angola contributed 4,900 mcm. Remaining African countries collectively exported 9,300 mcm in 2023.
Overall, the dataset indicates relatively stable regional LNG exports despite fluctuations among major producers. Export performance reflected changes in production capacity, maintenance activities, domestic gas demand, and international market conditions. Continued investments in LNG infrastructure supported Africa's position as an important supplier to global energy markets.
The dataset is valuable for evaluating the Africa LNG export outlook, analyzing regional trade dynamics, and assessing future export opportunities. It supports market research, infrastructure planning, investment evaluation, and policy development while providing insights into LNG trade, export capacity, market competitiveness, and the evolving role of Africa in the global natural gas industry.
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Definition- Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) Exports refer to the total volume of liquefied natural gas shipped from a country to international markets during a given year. LNG is natural gas that has been cooled to approximately −162°C, converting it into a liquid state for efficient storage and long-distance transportation by specialized LNG carriers. The indicator is typically measured in billion cubic meters (bcm) after regasification or in equivalent LNG volumes and represents the quantity of domestically produced natural gas exported in liquefied form. LNG Exports are an important measure of a country's natural gas production capacity, export infrastructure, participation in global LNG trade, and contribution to international energy markets.
Africa Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) Exports was 55.60 Billion Cubic Metres in 2023, up 2.8% on 2022.
Africa Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) Exports moved from 48.50 Billion Cubic Metres in 2015 to 55.60 Billion Cubic Metres in 2023 (+14.6%), an average of +1.7% a year. The series high was 61.60 Billion Cubic Metres in 2019 and the low 46.20 Billion Cubic Metres in 2016.
The highest value was 61.60 Billion Cubic Metres in 2019 and the lowest was 46.20 Billion Cubic Metres in 2016.
Included: The data includes all LNG cargoes exported from liquefaction terminals to international destinations under long-term contracts, spot market sales, and short-term trade agreements. It covers LNG produced from both associated and non-associated natural gas fields after processing, purification, and liquefaction. The indicator includes exports transported by specialized LNG carriers to importing countries and reflects LNG supplied to global markets regardless of the final destination. Export volumes are compiled using standardized international trade statistics, customs records, port authority data, and national energy reporting methodologies, ensuring consistent comparison of LNG export volumes across countries and over time. Excluded: The data excludes pipeline natural gas exports, domestically consumed natural gas, liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), natural gas liquids (NGLs), compressed natural gas (CNG), and other gaseous fuels that are not exported in liquefied natural gas form. It also excludes LNG imports, domestic LNG storage, LNG bunkering for marine fuel where reported separately, and transit shipments that do not originate from domestic liquefaction facilities. The indicator does not measure liquefaction capacity, terminal utilization rates, natural gas production, export revenues, or the economic value of LNG exports. Minor variations may occur due to differences in national reporting practices, customs classifications, conversion factors, cargo accounting methods, and statistical estimation methodologies across countries.
The series is sourced from energyinst.org (https://www.energyinst.org/__data/assets/pdf_file/0006/1542714/684_EI_Stat_Review_V16_DIGITAL.pdf). It covers 2015–2023 and is reported in Billion Cubic Metres.
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