Exxon Mobil is setting its sights on South Africa as a key hub for liquefied natural gas (LNG) development, a senior company executive revealed at an energy summit in Cape Town on Tuesday.

The U.S. oil and gas giant, already the world’s largest exporter of LNG, sees South Africa as a priority market and is weighing long-term investment opportunities. According to Exxon’s vice president for LNG market development, Shahrukh Mirza, success in the region would depend on building import facilities in partnership with local players.

South Africa, which currently relies heavily on natural gas imports from Mozambique, is seeking fresh supply options as reserves from its neighbor decline. Officials have also been in talks with Qatar for LNG imports, but U.S. companies could benefit as the country shifts away from coal toward cleaner energy sources.

Exxon’s internal studies suggest South Africa may require 6 to 7 gigawatts of new gas-fired power generation capacity to complement renewables like wind and solar. Earlier this year, Pretoria expressed interest in securing multi-billion-dollar LNG contracts with the United States over the next decade. However, trade relations hit a stumbling block in August when Washington imposed steep tariffs on South African goods.

The company has already taken steps toward involvement in the market. Exxon subsidiaries previously signed an agreement with Dutch firm Royal Vopak to study the feasibility of an LNG regasification terminal. That project, planned with South African partner Transnet Pipelines, aims to develop and operate a facility at the Port of Richards Bay for 25 years.

“We see Richards Bay as just the beginning,” Mirza noted, adding that Exxon believes the need for LNG infrastructure in South Africa will only expand in the coming years.