Mozambique Considers Restarting $50B LNG Projects Amid Security Challenges

ExxonMobil is preparing to lift force majeure on its $30 billion Rovuma LNG project in Mozambique as security conditions improve, but cannot make a final investment decision until TotalEnergies resumes work on its nearby $20 billion Mozambique LNG project due to shared infrastructure between the two developments. TotalEnergies recently lifted a four-year force majeure on its project, which had been paused following increased terrorist attacks in the Cabo Delgado province, the epicenter of an Islamist insurgency that has destabilized the area for nearly a decade. Despite this progress, insecurity and violence continue to pose major challenges, displacing over 100,000 people this year and hampering Mozambique's broader energy ambitions. President Daniel Chapo has been involved in discussions with ExxonMobil, signaling government interest in advancing these projects. Completion of these LNG projects could position Mozambique among the top-10 global gas producers by 2040, but ongoing conflict and delays have created significant uncertainty for investors and the future of the country's energy sector.