Mozambique’s President Filipe Nyusi has announced that the long-stalled liquefied natural gas (LNG) project led by France’s TotalEnergies will resume operations by September this year, marking a major milestone in the country’s ambition to become a global energy hub.
Speaking at a business forum in Maputo, Nyusi confirmed that conditions had improved in the northern Cabo Delgado province, where Islamist insurgency had previously forced the suspension of one of Africa’s largest energy projects. The president described the resumption as “a turning point for Mozambique’s economy,” with the potential to reshape the nation’s financial landscape and cement its role in international gas markets.
The TotalEnergies LNG development in Mozambique’s Rovuma Basin—estimated at $20 billion—was put on hold in 2021 after escalating violence in Cabo Delgado threatened the safety of workers and surrounding communities. At the time, TotalEnergies declared force majeure, effectively pausing all activity until stability could be restored.
Since then, Mozambican security forces, supported by regional troops from Rwanda and the Southern African Development Community (SADC), have launched extensive operations to push back insurgents. Officials now say the situation is sufficiently under control to allow companies to return.
“Security is improving, communities are coming back, and confidence is returning to Cabo Delgado,” Nyusi said. “We are determined to ensure that our resources are developed responsibly and that Mozambicans are the first to benefit.”
Mozambique sits on one of the largest untapped gas reserves in the world, with estimates of over 100 trillion cubic feet located offshore. If fully developed, the resource could make the country one of the top LNG exporters globally, rivalling Qatar, Australia, and the United States.
The TotalEnergies project, which is the first of three major LNG developments planned for Mozambique, is designed to process 13.1 million tonnes of LNG annually. Its scale and investment size represent the largest private project in Africa’s history.
Government officials say restarting the venture is crucial not only for Mozambique’s revenue but also for its international credibility. “The resumption sends a powerful signal to investors that Mozambique is open for business and serious about managing security and stability,” said Max Tonela, Mozambique’s Minister of Economy and Finance.
Analysts believe the project could generate tens of billions of dollars in revenue for Mozambique over the coming decades, helping to transform one of the world’s poorest nations. Gas exports are expected to drive infrastructure development, fund social programs, and create thousands of jobs directly and indirectly.
However, communities in Cabo Delgado have long voiced concerns about how much of the wealth will reach ordinary citizens. Local leaders have called for stronger guarantees of employment opportunities, fair compensation for displaced families, and investments in health, education, and housing.
“We do not want gas wealth to be just numbers on government accounts or profits for foreign companies,” said João Pacheco, a community representative in Palma district. “Our people must see real change in their daily lives.”
The government has pledged to implement local content policies and strengthen oversight to ensure transparency. Nyusi emphasized that resource wealth must be harnessed for national development rather than becoming a source of division. “We want gas to be a blessing, not a curse,” he told business leaders.
The resumption of Mozambique’s LNG project comes at a time when global demand for natural gas is surging. Europe, in particular, has sought to diversify supplies in the wake of the energy crisis triggered by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Asian markets, led by China, Japan, and South Korea, are also driving long-term demand for LNG as they transition away from coal.
Experts say Mozambique is well-positioned to benefit. Its geographic location offers competitive shipping routes both to Europe and Asia, while the scale of reserves makes it a potential cornerstone of global supply for decades.
“Mozambique has the potential to become a major player in the global LNG industry,” said energy analyst Rebecca Holmes. “If the security situation remains stable and governance improves, the country could capture a significant share of the market.”
Despite the optimism, challenges remain. Security in Cabo Delgado is still fragile, with sporadic attacks reported in rural areas. Infrastructure in the region remains underdeveloped, and the sheer complexity of the LNG project requires sustained commitment from both the government and international partners.
There are also broader concerns about environmental impact. Civil society groups have warned that large-scale LNG projects could disrupt ecosystems, increase carbon emissions, and displace vulnerable communities if not carefully managed.
TotalEnergies has pledged to incorporate sustainability measures, including emissions reduction strategies and social development programs. “We are committed to ensuring that our operations contribute positively to Mozambique’s development and to global climate goals,” a company spokesperson said in a statement.
For Mozambique, the restart of the LNG project is more than an economic milestone—it is a test of governance, security, and the ability to turn natural wealth into sustainable national prosperity.
President Nyusi, confident but cautious, summed up the nation’s ambition: “Mozambique has waited a long time for this moment. We want to be a world leader in gas, and we want to show that it can be done in a way that brings hope and progress to our people.”
If successful, the project could transform Mozambique into one of the world’s foremost LNG exporters, offering a rare opportunity to lift millions out of poverty while reshaping the global energy map.
