Mozambique’s President Daniel Chapo recently held discussions with Patrick Pouyanne, CEO of TotalEnergies, to address the stalled $20 billion liquefied natural gas (LNG) project in the country’s resource-rich Cabo Delgado region. The meeting took place on the sidelines of an energy summit in Tanzania, as both parties seek to resolve challenges delaying the project’s restart.
The Mozambique LNG project, initially set to resume construction by the end of 2024 and begin gas production by 2029, has faced significant setbacks. Last week, TotalEnergies confirmed that force majeure remains in place due to unresolved security concerns and pending export credit approvals. The project has been suspended since 2021 following insurgent attacks in the region.
In a post on X, President Chapo stated that Pouyanne reaffirmed TotalEnergies’ commitment to reviving the project, emphasizing its critical role in Mozambique’s economic growth. Chapo acknowledged the importance of the LNG initiative for the country’s development and highlighted ongoing efforts to ensure stability in Cabo Delgado, which has been plagued by months of post-election unrest and insurgent activity.
“Efforts are therefore being made to ensure the necessary stability for its implementation,” Chapo said, underscoring the government’s determination to create a secure environment for the project’s resumption.
The Mozambique LNG project is one of the largest foreign investments in Africa and is seen as a cornerstone for the country’s economic transformation. However, its progress has been repeatedly hindered by security challenges and bureaucratic delays.
The meeting between Chapo and Pouyanne signals a renewed push to address these obstacles and move the project forward, with both sides expressing optimism about overcoming the current impasse. As Mozambique works to stabilize the region, the successful revival of the LNG project could mark a turning point for the nation’s energy sector and broader economic prospects.
