Mozambique’s ENH Makes Bold Move to Become Major Oil Operator
In a strategic shift that could reshape Mozambique’s energy landscape, the National Hydrocarbons Company (ENH) is transitioning from its traditional role as a minority partner to becoming a full-fledged operator in the country’s oil and gas projects. The state-owned company currently holds equity stakes of between 10% and 40% in about ten hydrocarbon concessions across Mozambique, but now aims for greater leadership in exploration and production.
“We need to begin positioning ourselves in the oil and gas industry as operators. We want to operate, and if all goes well, we will soon share the results of our first steps in that direction,” said Ludovina Bernardo, Chairwoman of ENH’s Board of Directors, during a board retreat in Ponta do Ouro, Matutuine district.
The company’s ambitious new five-year-plus business plan envisions building a portfolio of projects that capitalize on gas allocated from the Rovuma Basin developments. ENH sees these reserves as a strategic resource to drive Mozambique’s industrial growth, with domestic gas supply fueling local manufacturing, job creation, and economic diversification.
Currently, major operations are managed by global energy giants including TotalEnergies (Mozambique LNG — Area 1), Eni (Coral Sul FLNG — Area 4), and ExxonMobil (Rovuma LNG). ENH’s transition to operator status would mark a significant shift in the country’s energy sector dynamics.
Looking ahead, ENH intends to expand into the transportation of natural gas, oil, and condensates by both sea and land, including cross-border ventures, signaling its ambition to become a major operational force in Mozambique’s energy landscape.
Source: angolanminingoilandgas.com
