MAPUTO, October 2, 2025 – Mozambique President Daniel Chapo said conditions have been met for TotalEnergies (TTE.PA) to lift force majeure on its 20 billion liquefied natural gas project1. The announcement signals potential resumption of the massive energy development that has been suspended since 2021 due to Islamist militant attacks in northern Mozambique.
- Mozambique declares conditions met for TotalEnergies LNG restart
- 20 billion project suspended since 2021 militant attacks
- TotalEnergies CEO recently said project “ready” to restart
Market Context
TotalEnergies shares have gained approximately 12% year-to-date, outperforming the broader European energy sector. The Mozambique LNG project represents one of the largest energy investments in Africa and is crucial for global LNG supply diversification efforts amid ongoing geopolitical tensions2.
Project Background
The French energy giant declared force majeure in April 2021 after an attack by Islamic State-linked insurgents near the Palma town close to the project site3. The 13 million metric ton-per-year facility was designed to tap into Mozambique’s vast offshore natural gas reserves in the Rovuma Basin.
TotalEnergies CEO Patrick Pouyanné said last month that the company and its partners are “poised to restart construction” as security conditions improve4. The project has remained in suspended animation while the company awaited improved security guarantees from the Mozambican government.
Government Statement
“Conditions are met for the lifting of force majeure, and we await the pronouncement of the concession holder shortly,” Chapo said at a ceremony5.
The president’s statement comes as Mozambique has deployed additional security forces to the Cabo Delgado province where the project is located. International partners including Rwanda and Southern African Development Community forces have also provided security assistance in the region.
Investment Implications
The potential restart would mark a significant milestone for TotalEnergies’ long-term growth strategy in Africa. The company has maintained that Mozambique LNG remains a strategic priority despite the lengthy suspension and additional security costs.
Analysts estimate the project could generate substantial cash flows once operational, with first LNG exports potentially beginning 3-4 years after construction resumes. The facility is expected to serve growing Asian LNG demand, particularly from China and India.
Next Steps
TotalEnergies now faces the decision of whether to formally lift force majeure and restart the estimated 20 billion investment. The company will likely conduct additional security assessments before making a final commitment to resume construction activities.
Industry observers will be watching for TotalEnergies’ official response in the coming days, which could trigger broader investor confidence in Mozambique’s energy sector development.
Not investment advice. For informational purposes only.
References
1“Mozambique says conditions met for TotalEnergies to resume work on LNG project”. Reuters. Retrieved October 2, 2025.
2“Mozambique says conditions met for TotalEnergies to resume work on LNG project”. Yahoo Finance. Retrieved October 2, 2025.
3“Mozambique says conditions met for TotalEnergies to lift force majeure on LNG project”. TradingView. Retrieved October 2, 2025.
4“TotalEnergies CEO Says Mozambique LNG Project ‘Ready’ to Restart”. Bloomberg. Retrieved October 2, 2025.
5“Mozambique LNG ready to resume operations, says Total Energies CEO”. AIM News. Retrieved October 2, 2025.