Natural Gas: WAPCo Reaffirms Its Commitment to Benin’s Energy Security and Industrial Growth
West African Gas Pipeline Company Limited (WAPCo) has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting Benin’s energy security and industrial growth. At a media engagement dinner held in Cotonou on Tuesday, October 6, 2026, the company presented its major achievements over the past two years, including the completion of its interconnection with Benin Gas Transportation and Solutions (BGTS) and plans to increase its natural gas delivery capacity in the country.
Natural gas is increasingly becoming a strategic component of Benin’s industrial development. As energy demand is expected to rise with the expansion of industrial activities, WAPCo says it is strengthening its role in supporting the country’s energy supply.
The company brought together media professionals in Cotonou for an exchange dinner at the Golden Tulip Le Diplomate on October 6, 2026. The meeting provided an opportunity for WAPCo’s management to review its recent performance and outline its prospects in Benin.
One of the key achievements highlighted was the completion of the interconnection between WAPCo’s gas transmission network and the pipeline operated by Benin Gas Transportation and Solutions (BGTS). The connection is expected to facilitate the delivery of natural gas to the Glo-Djigbé Industrial Zone (GDIZ), one of the key pillars of Benin’s industrial transformation.
WAPCo moves to increase gas delivery capacity
“We worked with BGTS to connect the BGTS gas pipeline to the WAPCo gas pipeline network in order to deliver gas to the Glo-Djigbé Industrial Zone,” said Abbey Bodounrin, Managing Director of WAPCo.
The company is also working with stakeholders in Benin’s energy sector to increase its gas delivery capacity. According to WAPCo, the planned expansion of its Cotonou regulation and metering station is expected to increase natural gas delivery capacity from 27 million to 62 million standard cubic feet per day.
The increase is intended to meet Benin’s growing energy needs, particularly for electricity generation and industrial activities. “We are working with SBEE to double the gas delivery capacity for Benin,” Abbey Bodounrin said.
For WAPCo, the objective is to support Benin’s economic transformation over the long term. The development and strengthening of gas infrastructure are expected to contribute to greater energy supply security while providing industries with more reliable access to natural gas.
Safety remains another major priority for the company. WAPCo reports more than 14 million work hours without a recordable incident, a performance it attributes to its strong focus on the safety of people, infrastructure, host communities and the environment.
Benin also occupies a strategic position within WAPCo’s regional operations. The country hosts the second-largest community living along the West African Gas Pipeline, reinforcing the importance of maintaining strong relations with communities located near the infrastructure.
WAPCo further emphasized that its entire operational activity in Benin is carried out by Beninese professionals. According to the company, this approach contributes to developing local expertise and promoting local content.
WAPCo strengthens engagement with the media
The Cotonou meeting also provided an opportunity for WAPCo to officially introduce Angela Yasmin Heymann as its new General Manager, Corporate Affairs and spokesperson for Ghana, Togo, Benin and Nigeria.
Speaking to media professionals, she expressed her commitment to strengthening relations between WAPCo, the media and other stakeholders. The objective is to promote reliable, balanced and transparent information about the company’s activities.
“We are going to work with you to create this partnership so that the information reaching the public and communities is reliable and balanced,” she said.
Angela Yasmin Heymann also pledged to maintain a cordial and transparent relationship with stakeholders. She encouraged closer cooperation with networks of journalists specializing in the energy sector in Benin.
Beyond natural gas transportation, WAPCo also highlighted several initiatives targeting host communities. These include support for education, scholarships and assistance to students, local skills development, community engagement, local content promotion and employment opportunities.
Through the West African Gas Pipeline, WAPCo transports natural gas from Nigeria to Benin, Togo and Ghana. In Benin, the company says it intends to further strengthen its contribution as the country’s energy needs grow alongside its industrial development ambitions.
