Mozambique Seeks Regional Energy Supremacy with LNG Projects

Mozambique is positioning itself as a major regional energy hub due to significant investments in liquefied natural gas (LNG) projects across the Rovuma Basin. President Daniel Chapo stated that the country's gas reserves, location, and developing infrastructure could turn Mozambique into an important centre for energy production and distribution in Southern Africa.

The Rovuma Basin holds over 100 trillion cubic feet of gas resources. Eni's operational Coral South floating LNG project is already underway, while Coral North is expected to start operations in 2028. TotalEnergies' Mozambique LNG project is targeted for 2029, and ExxonMobil's Rovuma LNG project could reach a final investment decision in 2026 or 2027.

The projects are expected to deliver more than 40 million tonnes of LNG each year, creating a new source of export revenue and supporting investments in transport, services, skills, and energy infrastructure. President Chapo emphasized the importance of local participation and workforce training, highlighting the government's recently approved Local Content Law as a means to build domestic business capacity, improve skills, and increase local participation.

The government sees private companies as essential to turning large-scale investment into lasting economic progress, pledging further reforms to make Mozambique more attractive to investors. The African Energy Chamber supports efforts to reduce bureaucracy and expand private-sector participation, with discussions held at the summit on using energy resources to accelerate local industrial development.