Mozambique - Invest in the Energy Sector of Mozambique

Since initial exploratory drilling in 2007 by U.S. operator Anadarko, Mozambique has uncovered vast natural gas volumes within its offshore basins, and now carries the potential to be the fourth largest natural gas exporter globally. With discoveries ranging from Anadarko’s initial 480 feet of gas found in Area 1 in 2010, to Eni’s discovery of 425 billion cubic meters one year later, the onus now lies on major operators including Royal Dutch Shell, Total, Eni and more to develop the requisite infrastructure to exploit the reserves, generate exports and bring revenue into the country. Potential inhibitors to the development of such resources include two ‘black swan’ events that have occurred since early-2020. In addition to the onset of COVID-19 in March – including a specific outbreak on Total’s Mozambique LNG development – the gas-rich Cabo Delgado province is facing a growing Islamist insurgency that began in the country in 2017. Nevertheless, the world-class nature of Mozambique’s gas assets has offset such inhibitors, and the country recently secured the largest foreign direct investment in Africa to date through its Mozambique LNG development. Gas monetization projects push forward on schedule, as the nation continues on its path to becoming a global energy giant.