Mozambique’s president, Daniel Chapo, has hinted that ExxonMobil will restart its $30 billion Rovuma LNG project within the next 12 to 18 months.
Chapo made the disclosure on Thursday in Cabo Delgado during the ceremony marking the relaunch of TotalEnergies’ LNG project.
He said construction would commence in the country’s northern province, an area shared with the French energy major.
“Within the next 12 to 18 months, we will return to this place to witness the start of construction on Rovuma LNG,” Chapo told the gathering in Cabo Delgado.
ExxonMobil suspended the project in 2021 after declaring force majeure following a surge in jihadist insurgency in the region.
Located in Area 4 of the Rovuma Basin, the project rivals TotalEnergies’ $20 billion LNG development and stands as the largest foreign investment decision in Mozambique.
The project is jointly owned by ExxonMobil, which holds a 25% stake, alongside Eni and CNPC.
It involves the construction of a large onshore LNG facility with a planned capacity of 15.2 million tonnes per annum of LNG.
Why Exxon halted Rovuma LNG
Like other oil majors operating in Mozambique, ExxonMobil halted its activities after worsening insecurity in the northern province, with attacks on oil workers reported.
Companies that suspended operations in the area included Italy’s Eni, TotalEnergies and ExxonMobil.
ExxonMobil has since said recent assessments show that security conditions in the region have improved significantly.
Commenting on the situation, Chapo acknowledged that terrorism had affected parts of the country. He, however, noted that such incidents have been heavily curtailed since the start of his administration in 2025.
ExxonMobil plans to take a final investment decision on Rovuma LNG in 2026, with first gas expected in 2030.
Influenced by TotalEnergies
Meawhile, ExxonMobil’s renewed commitment follows TotalEnergies’ decision to relaunch its own $20 billion LNG project in the same region.
TotalEnergies restarted the project after nearly five years of suspension due to similar security challenges.
Total CEO Patrick Pouyanne said the project remains on track for completion by 2029.
He added that about 4,500 workers have already been trained for the project, including 1,500 young people in Palma, near the project site, trained in carpentry, electricity and other construction skills.
Chapo described the relaunch as “a decisive step in Mozambique’s strategy to develop its resources, grow its economy, create jobs and establish the country as a key player in natural gas”.
Buoyed by TotalEnergies’ restart, ExxonMobil said it plans to move ahead with its own project as soon as possible.
Both LNG developments are expected to support Mozambique’s economy and expand LNG exports to Europe and the United States.
For the southern African nation, the projects represent a major step toward long term economic growth and gas driven industrialisation.
