In 2024, Africa’s oil production was dominated by a small number of countries, with Nigeria at the forefront. This concentration means shifts in output from just a few nations could significantly sway Africa’s overall energy balance.
Despite contributing less than 8% to global supply, oil is a lifeline for export earnings and government revenue in many African economies. While the global push for renewables intensifies, Africa’s oil-producing giants continue to leverage their reserves to maintain economic stability and geopolitical influence.
The United States dominates global natural gas production in 2024, contributing 1.03 trillion cubic metres (Tcm), nearly one-quarter of the world’s total.
Russia (0.63Tcm) and Iran (0.26Tcm) follow as the second and third largest producers.
China (0.25Tcm) and Canada (0.19Tcm) also feature strongly, rounding out the top five producers.
Collectively, these top five countries account for more than 50% of global production.
Emerging producers like Nigeria, Egypt, and Azerbaijan contribute significantly to the supply but remain far behind the leading nations.