Trans-Saharan Gas Pipeline: The Prospects of Russian Involvement

During a meeting in Moscow, Algerian Foreign Minister Ahmed Attaf informed his counterpart Sergei Lavrov that the Trans-Saharan Gas Pipeline project is progressing well. This 4,128 km infrastructure, connecting Nigeria to Algeria, offers significant industrial opportunities for Russian firms, especially as Russia looks to expand its energy operations in Africa ahead of the EU's 2027 deadline for phasing out Russian gas. The deep strategic partnership between Algiers and Moscow, combined with Gazprom's long-standing interest in the project, makes Russian participation a likely component. The pipeline also crosses Niger, which has recently strengthened ties with Moscow. With Algeria having already commenced work on its section and Nigeria prioritizing the initiative, the specific involvement of Russian entities—whether in engineering, construction, or supply—remains under negotiation. Although the manufacturer TMK, currently under US sanctions, has been mentioned as a possible partner, no official contracts have been finalized.