MAPUTO – In a major development for Southern Africa’s energy sector, Mozambique President Daniel Chapo announced Thursday that all conditions have been satisfied for French energy giant TotalEnergies to lift force majeure on its $20 billion liquefied natural gas project in the country.
The announcement marks a potential turning point for the massive Mozambique LNG project, which has been suspended since 2021 following a devastating Islamist militant attack that forced TotalEnergies to halt all operations. The project, designed to produce 13 million metric tons of LNG per year, represents one of Africa’s most significant energy investments.
“Conditions are met for the lifting of force majeure, and we await the pronouncement of the concession holder shortly,” President Chapo declared during a ceremony in Maputo where Italian firm Eni and its partners announced a final investment decision on another gas project in the country.
However, TotalEnergies has declined to comment on the president’s statement, leaving uncertainty about when the company will officially resume operations. The French energy major currently forecasts that the project will come online in 2029, approximately five years behind its original schedule.
For TotalEnergies, which ranks as the world’s second-largest listed LNG player, the megaproject offers a strategic opportunity to close the gap with rival Shell as global demand for natural gas continues to surge. The project has gained additional relevance as Western buyers actively seek alternatives to Russian gas supplies. The resumption of the project would provide a significant boost to Mozambique’s economy and solidify the country’s position as a major player in the global LNG market.
Source: Reuters, OE Digital