Mozambique recently held a major meeting on Africa’s energy future, bringing together key leaders in the industry. The event took place on February 13, 2025, at the Radisson Blu Hotel & Residence in Maputo. It was organized by the Mozambique Energy Chamber, along with the African Energy Chamber and the Mozambique/USA Chamber of Commerce.
Top officials, including Estevão Pale, Mozambique’s new Minister of Mineral Resources and Energy, and NJ Ayuk, Executive Chairman of the African Energy Chamber, attended the discussion. They highlighted Mozambique’s vast energy resources, especially its 100 trillion cubic feet of natural gas in the Rovuma Basin. The country already has large gas projects like Coral South FLNG and is developing others, such as Rovuma LNG and Mozambique LNG.
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Beyond natural gas, Mozambique is also investing in power generation and renewable energy. The government is working with industry leaders to attract investors while making sure Mozambicans benefit from job opportunities and skills training. This is key to ensuring the country’s resources improve people’s lives instead of leading to economic struggles, as seen in some resource-rich nations.
Florival Mucave, Chairman of the Mozambique Energy Chamber, said expanding oil and gas exploration is essential for industrial growth and poverty reduction. NJ Ayuk agreed, emphasizing the need for strong partnerships between businesses and the government to create more jobs and support local communities, especially young people and women.
The discussion also highlighted Mozambique’s growing role in Africa’s energy sector. NJ Ayuk pointed out that projects like ExxonMobil’s $25 billion Rovuma LNG and TotalEnergies’ Mozambique LNG could turn the country into a global energy leader. These projects, along with plans for gas-to-power and petrochemical production, are attracting new investors and strengthening Mozambique’s position in the global market.
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Mozambique’s gas reserves provide a stable energy source, which is crucial for industrialization and powering African homes and businesses. The gas can also be used to produce urea and ammonia, which will help improve food security and reduce Africa’s reliance on imports. This makes Mozambique an important part of Africa’s clean energy shift and economic growth.
The meeting also stressed the importance of using local businesses and workers in the energy sector. Supporting small and medium-sized companies and creating jobs for women and young people will ensure that Mozambique’s energy boom benefits its citizens. By focusing on local participation, the country can achieve long-term economic growth rather than just extracting resources for export.
In summary, Mozambique’s energy sector is set to play a key role in Africa’s economic future. The roundtable highlighted the country’s strengths and the challenges it must overcome to turn its energy potential into real economic benefits. With a focus on stable regulations, strong partnerships, and local job creation, Mozambique is on the path to becoming a major energy hub while ensuring its people benefit from its natural wealth.