The United Arab Emirates has stepped in to help fund the massive $25 billion Nigeria-Morocco gas pipeline project, adding momentum to one of Africa’s most ambitious energy undertakings.

Leila Benali, Morocco’s Minister of Energy Transition and Sustainable Development, confirmed the UAE’s participation during a recent session in the Moroccan parliament.

“The UAE will contribute to the financing of the Nigeria-Morocco gas pipeline, alongside key partners such as the European Investment Bank, the Islamic Development Bank, and the OPEC Fund,” she told lawmakers.

Benali also announced that all preliminary feasibility and engineering studies for the pipeline are now complete. “We’ve finalized the necessary groundwork,” she said, adding that the project is moving toward implementation.

The proposed pipeline, stretching nearly 5,660 kilometers (around 3,517 miles), will connect Nigeria’s gas reserves to European markets via Morocco.

The route is expected to pass through 15 West African nations, reinforcing regional energy integration and boosting export capacity.In a major development, China’s Jingye Steel Group has secured the contract to supply the pipes, according to Benali.

Last month, Nigeria and Morocco signed an agreement to establish a joint venture that will oversee the development and management of the pipeline, marking a crucial step in pushing the long-envisioned project forward.

The pipeline is not only expected to enhance energy security for Europe but also to improve energy access and economic opportunities across Africa.