Sopuruchi Onwuka

Mozambique is on track to become one of the world’s leading liquefied natural gas (LNG) producers as international energy giants TotalEnergies, ExxonMobil, and Eni move closer to restarting multi-billion-dollar gas developments in the country.

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Following years of suspension caused by insurgent attacks in the northern Cabo Delgado region, improving security conditions have revived momentum for the projects that together could reshape Mozambique’s economy and global energy standing.

ExxonMobil CEO Darren Woods told investors on Friday that the company is preparing to lift the force majeure on its $30 billion Rovuma LNG project, after TotalEnergies recently resumed work on its neighboring Mozambique LNG development.

“Total just lifted their force majeure, and we’re in the process of trying to do the same,” Woods said during an earnings call, describing the company’s engagement with Mozambican authorities as “very positive.”

Exxon leads construction and operation of the onshore liquefaction facilities for Rovuma LNG, while Eni oversees the offshore Coral North and South floating production units. Together, the three projects are expected to deliver substantial export capacity, with Exxon targeting a final investment decision by early 2026 and first LNG cargo by 2030.

According to Deloitte, completion of the TotalEnergies, ExxonMobil, and Eni projects could propel Mozambique into the world’s top 10 LNG producers by 2040, turning it into a strategic supplier for Europe and Asia amid global efforts to diversify energy sources.

TotalEnergies and the Mozambican government are still finalizing details on project budgets, contracts, and production timelines for Mozambique LNG, but both Exxon and Eni have reaffirmed their long-term commitment to the region.

As operations ramp up, Mozambique’s LNG corridor is set to emerge as one of Africa’s most significant energy developments—linking regional growth with global energy security.

Mozambique is on the cusp of becoming a major global player in liquefied natural gas (LNG) production as three world-class energy companies — TotalEnergies, ExxonMobil and Eni — advance multi-billion-dollar developments in the country’s vast Rovuma Basin.

TotalEnergies is leading the onshore Mozambique LNG project (Area 1) originally valued at US$20 billion, though revised cost estimates now place its total near US$24.5 billion, following a four-year suspension caused by insurgent attacks.

Eni, meanwhile, is developing the offshore Coral Norte FLNG platform (Area 4) with a committed investment of around US$7.2 billion, designed to produce 3.5 million tons per annum (mtpa) and coming online in 2028.

ExxonMobil’s own onshore project, Rovuma LNG, valued at approximately US$30 billion, is still pending a final investment decision as it waits for TotalEnergies to fully resume operations and for the lifting of force majeure.

Together, the three projects will deliver massive LNG export capacity and transform Mozambique’s role in the global energy market. According to analysis, the combined development could elevate Mozambique into the world’s top 10 gas producers by 2040.

These mega-projects also underscore a broader trend: international energy firms investing in Africa’s gas corridor as demand grows in Europe and Asia and as global energy transition strategies evolve. With upstream, midstream and export infrastructure scaling rapidly in Mozambique, the country is set to become a strategic global LNG hub.