Mozambique seeks private sector partnership to maximize USD50 billion LNG investment

Mozambique President Daniel Chapo called on the country’s private sector to help transform more than USD50 billion in planned and ongoing liquefied natural gas (LNG) investments into industrial growth, jobs and stronger local businesses, as the government seeks to maximize the economic benefits of its vast gas reserves.

Speaking at the Mozambique CEO Summit, Chapo said Mozambique’s natural resources, infrastructure and strategic location could position the country as a regional energy hub while supporting a new phase of economic development.

The Rovuma Basin, one of Africa’s largest natural gas discoveries, contains more than 100 trillion cubic feet of gas resources, according to the African Energy Chamber (AEC).

Mozambique is advancing several large LNG projects, including Eni’s operational Coral South floating LNG project, the Coral North FLNG project expected to start in 2028, TotalEnergies’ Mozambique LNG project targeted for 2029, and ExxonMobil’s Rovuma LNG project, which is aiming for a final investment decision in 2026 or 2027.

The projects have a combined production capacity exceeding 40 million metric tons of LNG per year.

Chapo said the government wants the investments to accelerate industrialization, expand local capacity, create jobs and strengthen Mozambique’s business ecosystem.

He urged developers of energy projects in the Rovuma Basin to prioritize workforce training and ensure Mozambican contractors and companies play a meaningful role throughout project supply chains.

“The private sector has a decisive role to play in Mozambique’s next phase of economic growth,” Chapo said, calling for greater professionalism, respect for contracts and stronger project execution while reaffirming the government’s commitment to reforms aimed at improving the investment climate.

He said large-scale energy projects should deliver tangible benefits to the domestic economy, particularly by creating opportunities for local businesses and micro, small and medium-sized enterprises.

Mozambique’s recently approved Local Content Law is a key part of that strategy, with Chapo describing it as both a regulatory framework and an economic development tool designed to strengthen domestic companies, build workforce skills and increase Mozambican participation in the country’s natural resource wealth.

The African Energy Chamber, represented at the summit by Executive Chairman NJ Ayuk, welcomed the government’s efforts to use large-scale energy investments to drive broader economic development.

The chamber also held discussions with the Chamber of Commerce of Mozambique on expanding private-sector participation and accelerating local industry development.

“Chapo and his government are working hand-in-hand with the private sector on reforms that slash bureaucracy that has been keeping Mozambique from realizing its true potential,” Ayuk said. “Mozambique has cut red tape and rolled out the red carpet to investors and Mozambicans, and the world stands to win.”

Chapo also highlighted data centers and artificial intelligence infrastructure as potential future investment opportunities, saying greater energy availability could help Mozambique attract investment in the digital economy while diversifying beyond its natural resource sector.

Ayuk said Mozambique’s private sector would be central to the country’s long-term economic transformation.

“The private sector in Mozambique is going to shape the future. We need to nurture Mozambican success, empower it, reward it and celebrate it,” he said. “The Mozambique CEO Summit represents a good platform for the future and the AEC will continue to support it.”