Mozambique Government Defends LNG Academy Location Amid Local Criticism

The Mozambique government has justified its decision to hold the initial phase of the Mozambique LNG Academy in Matola, on the outskirts of Maputo, despite criticism from local organizations. The Ministry of Education and Culture (MEC) stated that the choice was based on a technical assessment of conditions at various vocational training institutions, which concluded that the Matola Industrial and Commercial Institute meets the required standards.

The government emphasized that the partnership with TotalEnergies did not alter its priority for developing technical education in Cabo Delgado province. In fact, the province has already seen significant investment in this area, including the construction of the Filipe Jacinto Nyusi Industrial and Commercial Institute in Namaua town.

According to the MEC, 1,765 young people have benefited from training, scholarships, and work placements associated with the Mozambique LNG project. Of these, 1,154 attended courses at IFPELAC in Pemba, while 390 trained at the Pemba Industrial and Commercial Institute.

The government also highlighted its commitment to developing skills in Cabo Delgado, pointing out that the province has 14 technical and vocational education institutions, six of which are state-run. These institutions have already trained 525 young people in fields such as electricity and oil and gas processing.