Mozambique’s $20 billion LNG project restarts after five years
TotalEnergies resumed full construction in Cabo Delgado, with more than 3,000 Mozambicans now at work.
Key points
- TotalEnergies announced on 29 January 2026 the full restart of the $20 billion Mozambique LNG project at Afungi, Cabo Delgado, suspended since attacks in 2021.
- The announcement followed a meeting between CEO Patrick Pouyanné and President Daniel Chapo; the project is about 40% complete.
- More than 4,000 workers, over 3,000 of them Mozambican, have been mobilised, and first LNG is targeted for 2029.
One of Africa's largest energy projects is back on. TotalEnergies announced on 29 January 2026 the full restart of the Mozambique LNG project at Afungi in Cabo Delgado province, after a suspension of nearly five years.
Why it stopped
Work halted in 2021 after insurgent attacks in Cabo Delgado, including on the town of Palma, and the company declared force majeure. The consortium lifted the force majeure in November 2025.
The restart was announced after a meeting between TotalEnergies chief executive Patrick Pouyanné and Mozambique's President Daniel Chapo.
The project
- Cost: about $20 billion, with the suspension adding roughly $4.5 billion.
- Progress: about 40% complete, with most engineering and procurement done during the pause.
- Jobs: more than 4,000 workers mobilised, over 3,000 of them Mozambican.
- First gas: targeted for 2029.
Why it matters
Liquefied natural gas exports could transform Mozambique's economy and public finances. The challenge will be ensuring security in Cabo Delgado and making sure local communities share in the benefits.
Sources
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