M.Phil. / Coal forms an important role in the energy balance of the world economy. Despite having lost market share to gas in recent years, due to its vast reserves coal will continue to play a massive role in future energy markets. Up to now numerous studies have been completed on the major coal producing countries including South Africa, Australia and the United States. However no in-depth study of the smaller coal producing countries in Africa has been done. This dissertation would first identify the coal producing countries in Africa, estimate the possible reserves of each country and with the use of maps show the location of these reserves. Thereafter this dissertation will evaluate the infrastructure of the different coal producing countries to determine the possible coal export opportunities that exist in these countries. Factors influencing these export opportunities will also be investigated. The study will include South Africa but it will in no way be the focal point. A study of this nature will be extremely informative giving conclusions to the potential coal reserves that exist throughout Africa and will identify the possible export potential of this region.