ExxonMobil has invested over $20 million in Mozambique since 2017 as part of its local content development strategy, and the company intends to continue supporting the country’s economy through future initiatives.
Armando Afonso, Public & Government Affairs Manager at ExxonMobil Mozambique, made this disclosure during his remarks at the Invest in African Energies: Mozambique Roundtable, organized by the African Energy Chamber and the Mozambique Energy Chamber on Thursday.
Afonso highlighted that growing opportunities in Mozambique’s oil and gas sector are central to ExxonMobil’s strategy.
He explained that the Rovuma LNG project’s low emissions profile, Mozambique’s strategic location and market access, and the vast reserves in Area 4 as key factors driving ExxonMobil’s commitment to the country.
Afonso also discussed how renewable energy sources such as solar, wind, and hydrogen generation could play a role in the Area 4 project.
“With the ramp-up of the Rovuma LNG project, our impact on local content will continue to grow, creating opportunities across the entire economy,” Afonso stated.
“Even though we are not yet in production, we have already positioned ourselves as a leader in local content with our Primary Center training local SMEs and our supplier portal enabling local businesses to register and partner with us.”
ExxonMobil and the Rovuma LNG Project
ExxonMobil holds a 25% indirect interest in Area 4 offshore Mozambique, where it leads the construction and operation of future natural gas liquefaction facilities.
In December 2017, ExxonMobil announced the completion of its acquisition of the asset, which contains more than 85 trillion cubic feet of natural gas. This resource is expected to fuel multiple world-class LNG projects.
Following the declaration of force majeure in April 2021, ExxonMobil adopted a modular construction approach.
This method involves building liquefaction units off-site for later assembly at the location, reducing workforce and space requirements on-site.
Through key local partners such as Favela United, Mozambikes, and Tsemba Life, ExxonMobil has committed over $10 million to community programs since 2017.
These initiatives support education, healthcare, family empowerment, agriculture, and biodiversity protection throughout Mozambique.
The company has reported progress on the project and expects to begin LNG production by 2030, despite the ongoing force majeure.
However, in November 2024, Reuters reported that ExxonMobil has delayed its scheduled 2025 final investment decision (FID) for the Rovuma LNG project until 2026.
