KEY POINTS
- TotalEnergies has resumed construction of the $20 billion Mozambique LNG project after a five-year halt caused by security concerns.
- The 13.1 million tonnes per year project is expected to start production in 2029, while Exxon Mobil’s nearby Rovuma LNG project targets 2030.
- Mozambique’s vast gas resources and revived project activity strengthen its position as a future major LNG exporter.
TotalEnergies has formally restarted construction of its $20 billion Mozambique LNG project, bringing to an end a nearly five-year suspension of one of Africa’s largest energy investments.
Work on the project was halted in 2021 due to security concerns linked to insurgent attacks in the northern province of Cabo Delgado. The violence, associated with Islamic State-affiliated groups, forced contractors to withdraw and prompted TotalEnergies to declare force majeure.
In a statement released on January 29, 2026, the company confirmed that conditions are now in place to resume activities at the project site.
Higher Equity Stakes Strengthen Project Stability
TotalEnergies said it had indicated as early as 2025 that it was prepared to restart work after increasing its equity position alongside partners when some financiers exited the project.
The company currently holds a 26.5 percent stake in the Mozambique LNG consortium. Japan’s Mitsui owns 20 percent, Mozambique’s state-owned ENH holds 15 percent, while BEAS Rovuma Energy Mozambique and India’s ONGC Videsh each control 10 percent. Thailand’s PTTEP owns the remaining 8.5 percent.
The revised ownership structure is intended to provide stronger financial backing and restore confidence among investors and lenders.
The Mozambique LNG plant has a planned production capacity of 13.1 million tonnes per year.
TotalEnergies expects the facility to begin LNG production and exports in 2029, positioning Mozambique as a major supplier to global gas markets.
In a related development, Exxon Mobil is expected to reach a final investment decision later in 2026 on the larger Rovuma LNG project, which has a planned capacity of 18 million tonnes per year and is located adjacent to the TotalEnergies development.
Exxon Mobil lifted force majeure on the Rovuma LNG project in November 2025, signaling renewed momentum. The project is targeting first LNG production in 2030.
