Updated September 25, 2025: French oil and gas giant TotalEnergies has noted that it is getting ready to resume work on its giant LNG project in Mozambique, even as an Islamist insurgency in northern Mozambique continues with fresh attacks displacing tens of thousands of people in recent weeks. Total abandoned the project with a liquefaction capacity of 13.1 million metric tons per year four years ago due to insecurity
TotalEnergies inaugurated a 1.7-kilometer road project in Palma as it prepares to commence the Mozambique LNG project. Located in Palma district in the northern province of Cabo Delgado, the company constructed the road to improve transportation. The French-based multinational company was forced to halt operations in 2021 following a terrorist attack against Palma town. However, the company has now commenced preparations to resume the project as security conditions have improved. The road will not only benefit the project but also residents in Palma district with over 600 households covered by the natural megaproject. In addition to the road, he said, the company will also fund the electrification of Senga village. .
TotalEnergies general manager in Mozambique Maxim Rabiloud noted his insights during the project’s inauguration. He commended the project noting that the company invests about $20 million annually in socioeconomic projects in the country. Rabilloud believes that the new road will facilitate the transport of agricultural production and strengthen trade. “Mozambique LNG’s commitment aims to improve the quality of life of local communities and create conditions for stability in a region still marked by challenges related to insecurity. These infrastructures are links to peace, greater well-being and more benefits for communities”, he said.
Despite the force majeure stalling the Mozambique LNG project, other similar projects such as the Coral Norte are progressing. Mozambique’s government is expected to launch the $7.2 billion Coral Norte LNG project in October, one of Africa’s largest. The project will be unveiled next month in the Rovuma Basin’s Area 4 as announced by President Daniel Chapo. He noted this during the Global Energy Alliance meeting in New York. Chapo told the meeting held on the sidelines of the 80th United Nations General Assembly that construction of the project would commence in October. Led by Italian energy giant Eni, Coral Norte marks a fundamental point in Mozambique’s LNG transition.
Exxon is also making moves as they aim to establish a $30 billion LNG project which is expected to be Africa’s largest LNG plant once complete. ExxonMobil’s chief executive sought security assurance from Mozambique’s government in bid to construct Africa’s largest LNG plant. The firm is seeking counsel about security for the proposed $30 billion gas terminal in the African nation. However, this comes amid jihadist insurgency as the country aims to come to a decision to greenlight the project. Darren Woods raised with Chapo the dangers posed by the insurgency in Mozambique’s noth-eastern Cabo Delgado.
July 7, 2025: TotalEnergies CEO Patrick Pouyanne met with Mozambique’s president to discuss way forward on the $20 billion Mozambique LNG project. The meeting comes at a time when the commencement of the project is imminent. Recently, President Chapo called on the oil company to resume work on the project. Patrick Pouyanne previously admitted the possibility of resuming the project by August. Furthermore, several contractors have recently been receiving instructions to prepare to recommence work on the Afungi Peninsula in Cabo Delgado.
The project is located far north of Mozambique, which was suspended four years ago. Furthermore, TotalEnergies is currently developing a plant near Palma that will facilitate for the production and export of LNG. The multinational has a 26.5% stake in this project, primarily aimed at clients in Asia. On the other hand, Mozambican partners and Japan’s Mitsui own 20% of the project’s stake. Mozambique’s president noted that ““If the ‘force majeure’ clause is lifted, we will move forward with the project,” which anticipates an annual production capacity of 13.12 million tons of LNG. TotalEnergies continues to solidify its stronghold and relevance in Africa’s energy sector, with projects such as Congo’s offshore exploration permit underscoring their commitment and zeal as a multinational entity.
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Mozambique LNG, the first onshore LNG facility in the southern African country
Scope on Total Energies’ Mozambique LNG Project
The scope of implementation on TotalEnergies’ Mozambique LNG project is one that is focused in expediting the project. The company has already announced plans to resume its LNG megaproject in northern Mozambique this year. Furthermore, with financing needs virtually assured and the area’s security situation secure, everything is on track. Mozambique has three approved development projects to exploit the Rovuma Basin natural gas reserves off the coast of Cabo Delgado. These reserves are ranked among the largest in the world.
Since October 2017, the gas-rich province of Cabo Delgado has faced an armed rebellion. The attacks have been claimed by movements associated with the extremist group Islamic State, which have displaced more than one million people. “The most important thing at this moment with TotalEnergies is the lifting of the ‘force majeure’ clause,” Mozambique’s president noted. He also noted that no matter how much a development plan is signed, without the lifting of the ‘force majeure’ clause, nothing will be done.
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Construction of the $20 Billion Mozambique LNG Project to Resume by Mid-Year
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