Senegal’s Gas Gamble: Can Energy Wealth Save a Nation Without Drowning its Fisheries?
A stark flare burns relentlessly off the coast of northern Senegal, a visible symbol of a bet the nation is making on its newfound natural gas reserves. But while the promise of economic transformation hangs in the air, a growing chorus of voices – particularly from the fishing communities of Guet Ndar – warn that this energy boom could come at a devastating cost. Senegal’s experience offers a crucial case study in the complex challenges facing resource-rich nations in Africa, and a warning about the potential for unintended consequences when economic development clashes with traditional livelihoods and environmental sustainability.
The Promise of the Large Tortue Ahmeyim Project
The Large Tortue Ahmeyim (LTA) project, a joint venture between BP and Kosmos Energy, began operations at the end of 2024. This ambitious undertaking, the deepest offshore gas extraction plant in Africa, aims to tap into significant reserves discovered over a decade ago. BP estimates the field could yield 2.3 million tons of liquefied natural gas (LNG) annually, a potential game-changer for Senegal’s economy. The hope is that this influx of revenue will address long-standing economic stagnation and fund crucial development projects. President Bassirou Diomaye Faye, elected on a platform of resource nationalism, has pledged to renegotiate contracts with foreign firms and ensure that the benefits of these resources are distributed more equitably among the Senegalese population. However, the reality on the ground paints a far more complicated picture.
A Fishing Community on the Brink
For the residents of Guet Ndar, a historic fishing community just outside Saint-Louis, the arrival of the gas platform hasn’t brought prosperity – it’s brought hardship. Mariam Sow, a fish seller, describes a market that was once bustling with activity now largely deserted. Hundreds of boats sit idle on the beach, a testament to dwindling catches. Fishing employs over 600,000 people in Senegal and generated nearly $500 million in exports in 2022 (according to Chatham House), making it a cornerstone of the national economy and a vital source of livelihood for coastal communities. Fishermen report a dramatic decline in their hauls since the platform’s construction began in 2020, attributing it to the platform’s lights attracting fish away from traditional fishing grounds and restrictions on access to areas surrounding the structure.
Environmental Concerns and a Recent Leak
The environmental implications of the LTA project are also raising alarm bells. A recent gas leak, which took weeks to resolve, highlighted the potential risks associated with deep-sea extraction. While BP downplayed the incident, stating the environmental impact was “negligible,” environmental groups like Greenpeace warn of the devastating consequences of even small spills in the region. The GTA field is home to the world’s largest deep-water coral reef, a fragile ecosystem vulnerable to contamination and destruction. Greenpeace’s research emphasizes the long-term damage that can be inflicted on marine biodiversity and food chains by such incidents.
The Paradox of Rising Gas Prices
Adding to the frustration, the price of natural gas within Senegal has actually increased despite the new domestic supply. Shopkeepers like Mohamed Sow in Dakar report a significant rise in the cost of a 12-liter canister, from $8.50 to $13.80 in recent years. This contradicts a key selling point of the project – to lower energy costs for Senegalese citizens. The lack of transparency surrounding the distribution of gas revenues and the failure to deliver on promised price reductions are fueling public discontent and raising questions about the government’s commitment to equitable development.
A Broader Trend: Resource Nationalism and Local Impact
Senegal’s situation isn’t unique. Across Africa, the discovery of oil and gas reserves often triggers a complex interplay of economic opportunity, political maneuvering, and social disruption. The rise of resource nationalism, exemplified by President Faye’s pledge to renegotiate contracts, reflects a growing demand for greater control over natural resources and a fairer distribution of wealth. However, simply asserting control isn’t enough. Effective governance, transparent contracts, and robust environmental safeguards are crucial to ensure that resource wealth benefits all citizens, not just a select few. The challenge lies in balancing the need for economic growth with the protection of vulnerable communities and ecosystems.
Looking Ahead: Mitigating the Risks and Maximizing Benefits
The future of Senegal’s gas industry hinges on addressing the concerns of communities like Guet Ndar and prioritizing sustainable development. This requires a multi-faceted approach: investing in alternative livelihoods for fishermen, strengthening environmental regulations and monitoring, ensuring transparency in revenue management, and fostering genuine dialogue between the government, energy companies, and local communities. The Senegalese government must move beyond promises and deliver tangible benefits to those most affected by the project. Without a commitment to inclusive and sustainable development, Senegal risks repeating a pattern seen in other resource-rich nations – where energy wealth exacerbates inequality and undermines long-term prosperity. What steps can Senegal take to ensure its gas reserves become a catalyst for genuine, equitable progress? The world is watching.
