TotalEnergies is preparing to restart its $20bn liquefied natural gas (LNG) project in Mozambique, marking a pivotal shift in African energy development. This relaunch follows a four-year suspension due to insurgent violence in the Cabo Delgado province. The French energy major, along with partners including Mitsui and Mozambique’s national energy company ENH, has officially lifted the force majeure clause that had paused operations since 2021.
In a move that signals renewed confidence in regional security, TotalEnergies submitted a request to the Mozambican government for an additional $4.5bn in costs. This brings the total investment in the MozambiqueLNG project to approximately $24.5bn. The updated schedule now targets initial LNG shipments in the first half of 2029 — a delay of nearly five years from the originally planned mid-2024 start.
Updated Timeline and Budget
The new project timeline spans four and a half years beyond the original deadline. This extension reflects both increased costs and the need to reassess infrastructure, logistics, and regional stability. The specific allocation of the additional $4.5bn remains unclear, though it is likely to be distributed across all project stakeholders.
MozambiqueLNG, when fully operational, is expected to produce up to 43 million tons of LNG annually. This would position it as one of the largest gas export hubs on the African continent. Financial support has come from a coalition of international backers, including significant loans from the United States and other governments, reaffirming the project’s global importance.
Regional Implications and Security Shift
The 2021 insurgent attack that halted the project prompted a robust response from Mozambique’s military, supported by Rwandan forces. Their combined efforts have since secured key areas, notably the Afungi Peninsula — the operational base for both Total’s LNG site and ExxonMobil’s adjacent $30bn project.
The decision to lift force majeure not only revitalizes MozambiqueLNG but also sets a positive precedent for ExxonMobil’s stalled development. In September, ExxonMobil’s CEO personally sought security guarantees from President Daniel Chapo, underscoring the importance of long-term stability in the region.
Economic and Geopolitical Stakes
Mozambique’s economy could be significantly reshaped by the success of these LNG ventures. The combined value of Total and ExxonMobil’s projects approaches $50bn, representing a transformative economic opportunity for the country. For TotalEnergies, this restart is a crucial step in expanding its LNG production portfolio amid global energy diversification strategies.
However, the project remains under scrutiny. Allegations of human rights abuses by Mozambican security forces have led to international concern. In 2025, the UK government reviewed its $1.15bn financial support for the initiative, citing legal and ethical risks. A formal human rights review has been launched to assess the situation, reflecting growing ESG pressure on large-scale energy projects.
Looking Ahead
The revival of MozambiqueLNG represents a strategic balancing act between opportunity and risk. For stakeholders, it is a test of operational resilience, geopolitical coordination, and corporate responsibility in high-stakes environments.
As construction and development resume, the coming years will determine whether this $24.5bn project can fulfill its promise of becoming a major LNG export engine — and a cornerstone of Mozambique’s economic future.