From CNBC Africa

With many African countries sitting on vast reserves of natural gas, it may be time to allow this fossil fuel to drive economic growth.

“It will be a real significant game changer for the country that can develop cheap gas simply because it’s such a powerful driver for the economy,” Dr. Christoph Frei, Secretary General of the World Energy Council told CNBCAfrica.com in an exclusive interview.

Currently, a number of African countries such as Mozambique, Nigeria, South Africa, Tanzania and Ghana are tapping into their natural gas resources, not only as a means to boost their economies, but also to meet their energy needs.

“Gas is the one fossil fuel that has dramatic growth between now and 2050. We see 50 per cent to 100 per cent growth potential in gas,” added Frei.

According to the Oil and Gas Journal, proved reserves of natural gas in Africa are estimated at around 14 trillion cubic meters (tcm).

African gas reserves are about 7.5 percent of the world’s total, while technically recoverable reserves of natural gas in Africa are substantially higher, estimated to be about 74 tcm, almost 10 percent of the world’s total.

Written by Farhaanah Mahomed/Read more at CNBC Africa