French energy conglomerate TotalEnergies has officially recommenced operations on its monumental $20 billion liquefied natural gas (LNG) initiative in northern Mozambique’s Cabo Delgado province. The project, which represents one of Africa’s most substantial energy investments, had been suspended since April 2021 due to escalating insurgent violence that resulted in thousands of fatalities and displaced over one million residents.
At a ceremony attended by Mozambican President Daniel Chapo at the Afungi project site, TotalEnergies CEO Patrick Pouyanné declared the formal conclusion of force majeure status and announced anticipated initial gas deliveries for 2029. The company projects a significant acceleration of operational activities throughout the coming months.
The security situation that previously jeopardized the project has substantially improved through coordinated military interventions. Mozambique secured support from the Southern African Development Community (SADC) coalition forces and Rwandan defense personnel. While SADC troops completed their mandate and withdrew earlier this year, Rwandan security forces maintain their presence, contributing to stabilized conditions despite occasional isolated clashes.
President Chapo, elected in 2024 with commitments to economic revitalization and enhanced national security, characterized the project’s revival as transformative for regional perception. He emphasized that operational resumption demonstrates Cabo Delgado’s recovery beyond security challenges and represents a crucial advancement in national economic strategy.
The LNG development is projected to generate substantial governmental revenue through Mozambique’s minority stake, with additional investment participation from India, Japan, and Thailand. TotalEnergies anticipates employing over 4,000 workers, with 80% representing Mozambican nationals receiving specialized vocational training in technical fields including electrical systems and carpentry.
Concurrently, TotalEnergies has pledged humanitarian assistance following catastrophic flooding that claimed approximately 300 lives across Mozambique, South Africa, and Zimbabwe earlier this month, according to United Nations assessments.