Mozambique aims to cement its position as a leading African gas producer with LNG megaprojects restarting on Afungi peninsula, Cabo Delgado.
The LNG projects in Mozambique, led by TotalEnergies and ExxonMobil, are set to drive significant maritime traffic, with roughly 400 vessels annually transporting LNG and condensate to international markets. Recent tenders indicate the companies are seeking “safe, efficient, and reliable transportation, loading, and unloading services” for LNG from Areas 1 and 4 of the Rovuma Basin.
Area 1, part of the Mozambique LNG project, is expected to handle 160 LNG tankers and 10 condensate ships yearly, while Area 4, under ExxonMobil’s Rovuma LNG, anticipates 220 LNG tankers and 15 condensate ships per year. Combined, these operations position Afungi as one of Africa’s key energy hubs.
Restarting these projects marks a critical step after prior investments were halted due to armed attacks in Cabo Delgado, which triggered a “force majeure” in 2021. TotalEnergies lifted the clause in October 2024, resuming its $20 billion Mozambique LNG project, followed by ExxonMobil in November for its $30 billion Rovuma LNG venture, with a Final Investment Decision expected in 2026.
Once operational, Area 4 is projected to produce 18 million tons per year (mtpa) of LNG, while Area 1 will reach 13 mtpa, with first shipments anticipated in 2029.
Mozambique already produces LNG via Eni’s Coral Sul floating platform, yielding 3.4 mtpa since 2022. Approval of the $7.2 billion Coral Norte unit in October 2025 will double production from 2028.
President Daniel Chapo stated that construction could start within 12 to 18 months, supported by enhanced security measures to safeguard investments.
With these projects, Mozambique is not only expanding its export capacity but also strengthening its status as an emerging African energy powerhouse, attracting billions in foreign investment and cementing its place on the global LNG stage.