Mozambique’s President Daniel Chapo has affirmed that his government is taking necessary and sufficient security measures to enable TotalEnergies to restart work on the stalled $20 billion LNG project in Cabo Delgado, which has been delayed due to militant insurgency.
Speaking with reporters on Thursday, Chapo noted that while security has improved, long-term stability will require shared responsibility between the government, TotalEnergies, and regional partners.
“If we’re waiting for Cabo Delgado to be a heaven, we won’t lift force majeure,” he said.
The gas project in the northern Cabo Delgado province, alongside with others still at earlier stages of development, are seen as crucial to the economic future of Mozambique. .
TotalEnergies declared force majeure and halted operations in 2021 after escalating attacks by militants linked to the Islamic State forced the evacuation of workers.
But three years later, the president is urging the company to mobilize development efforts again, citing improved conditions on the ground.
Security gains, but no guarantees
Since the tension, Rwandan troops and international partners have tightened security in the region, yet the threat persists.
“Security doesn’t depend fully on Rwanda, Total or Mozambique, but on how terrorism is playing out on the ground,” Chapo added.
While the situation is more stable compared to recent years, Chapo made it clear that a full resumption of operations cannot rely solely on military presence.
Regional efforts have supplemented Mozambique’s own, following previous failed attempts involving mercenaries.
Last month, TotalEnergies’ CEO Patrick Pouyanné said the company was planning to resume construction work within the coming months.
“We are hopeful that the security situation continues to stabilize. We expect to relaunch project activities this summer,” he said.
Project timeline and financing
The TotalEnergies-operated LNG facility, if resumed, is projected to begin production by 2029.
The company continues with engineering works, even as on-ground construction remains paused.
The project involves international partners from the US, UK, and the Netherlands.
The U.S. Export-Import Bank’s $4.7 billion loan approval in March marked a key financial milestone to sustain momentum.
That was the single largest deal in the credit facility’s 91-year history.
Mozambique is also watching closely as ExxonMobil eyes a final investment decision on its $27 billion Rovuma LNG project in 2026.
For now, only Eni’s floating LNG plant is operational among the region’s major projects.
“We’ve got faith that TotalEnergies will be able to lift the force majeure,” Chapo said. “I don’t have a date… because that will depend on TotalEnergies.”
The president concluded by reaffirming his desire to see construction resume as quickly as possible, noting that his government is exploring multiple strategies to maintain security—even though none of them is guaranteed.
Future prospects
Moreover, the Mozambique LNG project is of the largest private investments in Africa’s energy sector, was halted three years ago after an
It comprises the development of two key offshore gas fields and the construction of a two train liquefaction facility, with a planned capacity of 13.12 million metric tons per year.
Last year, Mozambique earned $1.967 billion from LNG exports in 2024, thanks to Eni’s Coral Sul project.
The restart of the Mozambique LNG project is expected to further boost government revenues and foreign investment.
Once operational, it will place Mozambique among the top LNG exporters globally, ultimately changing its economy around.
While the project faces delays, TotalEnergies has said it remains committed to its execution.
“We have always believed in the potential of this project for Mozambique and its people. Our commitment remains unchanged,” Pouyanné said.
