- Construction activities restart onshore and offshore at Afungi with more than 4,000 workers mobilised.
- First LNG targeted for 2029 as project reaches 40 percent completion.
- Over USD 4 billion in contracts expected for Mozambican companies under strong local content drive.
Patrick Pouyanné, Chairman and CEO of TotalEnergies, has met in Afungi with His Excellency Daniel Chapo, President of the Republic of Mozambique, to formally announce the full restart of activities on the Mozambique LNG project.
Patrick Pouyanné, Chairman and CEO of TotalEnergies, met in Afungi with His Excellency Daniel Chapo, President of the Republic of Mozambique on 29 January 2026 to officially announce the restart of construction on the mega LNG complex. Image credit: TotalEnergies
The resumption follows the decision taken on 7 November 2025 by the Mozambique LNG consortium to lift the Force Majeure declared in 2021 and to resume full project execution.
During the high level meeting, the Government of Mozambique reaffirmed its commitment to work closely with the consortium to support the restart and address the impacts of the Force Majeure period. Authorities confirmed that security measures have been strengthened and that cooperation with Rwanda remains in place to ensure stability in Cabo Delgado province.
Construction has now resumed both offshore and onshore at the Afungi site. More than 4,000 workers have been mobilised, including over 3,000 Mozambican nationals. First LNG production is expected in 2029. The project is currently 40 percent complete, with most engineering and procurement of major equipment finalised during the suspension period.
The Mozambique LNG development is expected to generate significant economic value during the construction phase. At peak, up to 7,000 direct jobs will be created for Mozambicans. Contracts awarded to local companies are projected to exceed USD 4 billion, underlining the scale of the local content strategy embedded in the project framework.
Beyond construction, Mozambique LNG has launched a broad socio economic development programme in Cabo Delgado. The Mozambique LNG Foundation, established in 2023 with a USD 200 million budget, has already created more than 8,000 jobs and supported 7,000 farmers and fishermen in the province.
Pouyanné described the full restart as a major milestone for both the project and the country, thanking President Chapo and Mozambican authorities for their continued support. He stated that the development will position Mozambique as a leading LNG exporter while delivering long term economic benefits through strong local participation.
President Chapo said the resumption marks a significant step for the national economy and reflects renewed confidence from international partners in Mozambique energy potential and institutional capacity. He noted that the project will drive employment growth during both construction and operations, strengthen workforce skills, and consolidate Mozambique position as a regional energy hub and a credible player in the global LNG market, reinforcing its contribution to global energy security.
Author: Bryan Groenendaal
