Mozambique LNG Project Hits 45% Completion as TotalEnergies Targets First Gas in 2029
The TotalEnergies-led Mozambique LNG project has reached 45% completion as construction activity gathers pace in Cabo Delgado, marking further progress on one of Africa’s largest liquefied natural gas developments.
TotalEnergies Chairman and CEO Patrick Pouyanné said the project has continued to advance following the full resumption of construction activities earlier this year, with the company and its partners increasing the workforce supporting development at the Afungi site.
The update represents a significant step forward for Mozambique’s ambitions to establish itself as a major global LNG supplier and unlock the economic potential of its substantial natural gas resources.
Construction Gathers Momentum
The Mozambique LNG project, located in Area 1 of the Rovuma Basin, involves the development of two onshore LNG trains with a combined production capacity of approximately 13 million tonnes per annum.
TotalEnergies operates the project through its subsidiary TotalEnergies EP Mozambique Area 1 and holds a 26.5% interest.
Other partners include Mozambique’s ENH, Mitsui, ONGC Videsh, Beas Rovuma Energy Mozambique, BPRL Ventures Mozambique and PTTEP.
The project’s progress comes after a prolonged period of disruption caused by the security situation in Cabo Delgado. TotalEnergies declared force majeure in 2021 and withdrew personnel from the project site as insurgent attacks intensified in the region.
In January 2026, TotalEnergies and the Mozambican government announced the full restart of both onshore and offshore activities after the consortium lifted the force majeure declaration in November 2025.
The company has since mobilised thousands of workers and resumed major construction activities, including work on the first LNG train and associated infrastructure. TotalEnergies previously reported that more than 6,000 people were working on the project following the restart.
First LNG Targeted for 2029
TotalEnergies remains focused on delivering first LNG production in 2029.
The company has maintained a project budget of approximately $20 billion, following revisions to engineering, procurement and construction contracts after the lengthy suspension and inflationary pressures.
Despite the interruption, substantial engineering and procurement work continued during the force majeure period, allowing the project to resume construction from an advanced position rather than starting again from the beginning.
The development is expected to produce approximately 13 million tonnes of LNG annually, positioning Mozambique to become a significant player in the international LNG market.
TotalEnergies has also secured long-term sales commitments covering nearly 90% of the project’s future LNG production, with supplies destined for customers in Asian and European markets.
Boost for Mozambique’s Gas Industry
The continued progress of Mozambique LNG is strategically important for the country, which has sought to use its large offshore gas resources to attract investment, strengthen exports and support long-term economic development.
Beyond LNG exports, part of the gas produced from the Golfinho and Atum fields is intended for the domestic market, potentially supporting Mozambique’s industrialisation and energy security.
The project is also expected to generate significant opportunities for local businesses, employment and skills development as construction activity expands.
However, the project’s future remains closely linked to the security situation in Cabo Delgado.
The resumption of construction has been supported by security measures involving Mozambican and Rwandan forces, with TotalEnergies indicating that conditions in the project area have remained stable since the restart.
Mozambique’s LNG Ambitions
The acceleration of Mozambique LNG construction reinforces the country’s position as an emerging LNG producer at a time when global energy markets continue to focus on supply diversification and energy security.
For TotalEnergies, the project is also an important component of its global LNG portfolio and is expected to expand the company’s access to long-term gas supplies from Africa.
With construction now 45% complete and first LNG targeted for 2029, attention will increasingly turn to maintaining construction momentum, managing project costs and ensuring the security conditions necessary for the development to remain on schedule.
If successfully delivered, Mozambique LNG could become a transformative project for the country’s gas industry, while establishing Mozambique as a major supplier in the global LNG market.
