TotalEnergies has fully restarted its Mozambique LNG project after a nearly five-year suspension, signaling a new era for the nation's gas sector and bolstering Africa's role in global energy markets. This pivotal development, targeting first LNG in 2029, is set to significantly increase Mozambique's export capacity and drive domestic industrialization.
The resurgence of Mozambique's large-scale LNG projects, coupled with expanding domestic gas-to-power infrastructure, positions the country as a critical player in meeting both regional energy demand and international LNG needs. This momentum is particularly significant given ongoing global energy security concerns and the continent's broader push for gas monetization.
Executive Summary
Mozambique's gas sector is experiencing its most active phase in a decade, spearheaded by the full restart of TotalEnergies' $20 billion Mozambique LNG project in January 2026, which aims for 12.9 mtpa by 2029. This is complemented by Eni's Coral North floating LNG project (3.6 mtpa by 2028) and ExxonMobil's advancing $24 billion Rovuma LNG project, which is moving toward a final investment decision. Collectively, these developments are poised to elevate Mozambique's combined LNG capacity above 25 mtpa by the early 2030s, while also strengthening domestic gas-to-power infrastructure to address electrification gaps and foster industrial growth.
What Happened
In January 2026, TotalEnergies announced the full restart of its Mozambique LNG project in the Rovuma Basin's Area 1 concession, following a nearly five-year suspension. This restart has mobilized over 4,000 workers and awarded $4 billion in contracts to Mozambican companies, with first LNG exports anticipated in 2029. Concurrently, Eni reached a final investment decision on the Coral North FLNG project in October 2025, and ExxonMobil's Rovuma LNG project has passed a front-end engineering milestone.
Key Developments
- Major Project Restart: TotalEnergies' $20 billion Mozambique LNG project has fully restarted after a five-year halt, targeting first LNG in 2029.
- Significant Capacity Growth: The Mozambique LNG project aims for 12.9 mtpa, contributing to a national capacity exceeding 25 mtpa by the early 2030s with other advancing projects.
- Domestic Economic Impact: The project has awarded $4 billion in contracts to Mozambican companies and is strengthening domestic gas-to-power infrastructure for national development.
Regional Context
Mozambique's renewed focus on gas development places it at the forefront of East Africa's emerging LNG export hub, complementing existing and planned projects across the continent. This strategic positioning enhances Africa's overall contribution to global energy supply and regional energy security.
Market Impact
The restart of major Mozambican LNG projects will introduce substantial new supply into a global market seeking diversification and stability, potentially influencing long-term LNG price dynamics and trade flows. Traders and analysts will closely monitor project timelines and capacity ramp-ups for their implications on global gas balances.
Outlook
With multiple large-scale LNG projects advancing, Mozambique is set to become a dominant force in global LNG exports, with future developments hinging on sustained investment, robust infrastructure expansion, and effective local content integration.
