Mozambique LNG Awakens: Africa’s Sleeping Giant Set for 2029 Production After Four-Year Freeze
One of Africa’s most ambitious energy projects has officially come back to life. After nearly four years of forced hibernation, Mozambique LNG has lifted its force majeure declaration, restarting construction activities that promise to transform the country into a major LNG exporter and reshape global gas markets. TotalEnergies, the project operator, confirmed that over 4,000 workers—including more than 3,000 Mozambican nationals—have been mobilized at the Afungi site in northern Mozambique. The restart follows dramatically improved security conditions and strengthened cooperation between the Mozambican government and regional partners, notably Rwanda, to stabilize Cabo Delgado province where insurgency had previously forced operations to halt in 2021.
The announcement came during a high-profile site visit by TotalEnergies Chairman and CEO Patrick Pouyanné and Mozambican President Daniel Chapo. Pouyanné emphasized that the resumption reflects significant progress on security coordination and positions the project to move forward with confidence after years of uncertainty. Currently 40% complete, with most engineering and procurement activities executed during the suspension, the project is now targeting first LNG production in 2029. At peak construction, Mozambique LNG is expected to employ up to 7,000 Mozambicans, with contracts awarded to local companies projected to exceed $4 billion over the project’s lifetime.
President Chapo hailed the restart as transformational for the national economy, stating it will directly impact job creation and consolidate Mozambique’s positioning as a regional energy hub. The Mozambique LNG Foundation, established in 2023 with a $200 million endowment, has already created over 8,000 jobs and supported 7,000 farmers and fishermen in Cabo Delgado province through community development initiatives. Once operational, the project will cement Mozambique’s role as a key supplier to global gas markets and a cornerstone of energy security for international buyers seeking reliable LNG sources.
Sources: worldoil.com, energy-pedia.com
