Mozambique President Says ExxonMobil Likely to Restart $30 Billion Rovuma LNG Project Within 18 Months
Mozambique’s President, Daniel Chapo, has indicated that ExxonMobil is expected to restart its $30 billion Rovuma LNG project within the next 12 to 18 months, signalling renewed momentum for large-scale gas development in the country.
Chapo made the announcement on Thursday in Cabo Delgado during a ceremony marking the official relaunch of TotalEnergies’ LNG project in the region.
He said construction on the Rovuma LNG development would begin in Mozambique’s northern province, where several major gas projects are concentrated.
“Within the next 12 to 18 months, we will return to this place to witness the start of construction on Rovuma LNG,” Chapo told attendees at the event.
ExxonMobil suspended the project in 2021 after declaring force majeure amid heightened insecurity in Cabo Delgado.
The Rovuma LNG project, located in Area 4 of the Rovuma Basin, is one of the largest energy investments ever planned in Mozambique and rivals TotalEnergies’ $20 billion LNG development in scale and significance.
The project is jointly owned by ExxonMobil, which holds a 25% stake, alongside partners Eni and China National Petroleum Corporation (CNPC).
It involves the construction of a major onshore LNG facility with a planned production capacity of 15.2 million tonnes per annum.
Background to the Suspension
ExxonMobil, like other international energy companies operating in Mozambique, suspended activities in the region in response to security challenges that affected operations in the northern province. Several companies, including Eni and TotalEnergies, took similar measures at the time.
Since then, ExxonMobil has stated that recent assessments indicate a significant improvement in security conditions.
Commenting on the situation, President Chapo acknowledged that security incidents had previously affected parts of the country, but said they have been substantially reduced since the beginning of his administration in 2025.
ExxonMobil is expected to take a final investment decision on Rovuma LNG in 2026, with first gas targeted for 2030.
Momentum from TotalEnergies’ Restart
ExxonMobil’s renewed commitment follows TotalEnergies’ decision to restart its own LNG project in the same region after nearly five years of suspension.
TotalEnergies has confirmed that its $20 billion project remains on track for completion by 2029.
TotalEnergies Chief Executive Officer Patrick Pouyanné said the project has already supported significant workforce development, with about 4,500 workers trained, including 1,500 young people in Palma, near the project site, in trades such as carpentry, electrical work and construction.
President Chapo described the relaunch of LNG projects in Cabo Delgado as “a decisive step in Mozambique’s strategy to develop its natural resources, grow the economy, create jobs and position the country as a key player in the global gas market.”
Both the Rovuma LNG and TotalEnergies developments are expected to play a central role in Mozambique’s long-term economic growth, supporting industrialisation and expanding LNG exports to international markets, including Europe and the United States.
