Energy major TotalEnergies is looking at resuming operations at the Mozambique LNG project in 2025. The company declared force majeure in 2021 due to security concerns, but is eyeing resumption later this summer. Once completed, the $20 billion project will feature two liquefaction units with a capacity of 13 million tons per annum (mtpa) – expandable to 43 mtpa. This will position Mozambique as the second largest LNG producer in the world.
Situated in Area 1 of the Rovuma Basin, Mozambique LNG will monetize up to 65 trillion cubic feet of recoverable gas resources, targeting high-demand markets in Asia and the Middle East. Supported by $14.9 billion in senior debt financing – the largest in Africa – the project is backed by a $4.7 billion loan by the US Export-Import Bank – reapproved in March 2025. With the eminent resumption of operations, TotalEnergies’ Mozambique LNG project is poised to become an instrumental project in Southern Africa. TotalEnergies is a Platinum Sponsor of this year’s African Energy Week (AEW): Invest in African Energies conference – taking place September 29 to October 3 in Cape Town.
AEW: Invest in African Energies is the platform of choice for project operators, financiers, technology providers and government, and has emerged as the official place to sign deals in African energy. Visit www.AECWeek.com for more information about this exciting event.
Mozambique LNG is just one of several ambitious oil and gas developments spearheaded by TotalEnergies in Africa. The company has an extensive footprint across the continent, with key investments in upstream oil and gas processing and midstream infrastructure. In South Africa, TotalEnergies is preparing to begin offshore drilling in 2026, pending final regulatory approval. The company became operator of offshore Blocks 3B/4B in August 2024, situated in the southeast section of the prolific Orange Basin. The blocks lie in proximity to the TotalEnergies-led Venus field in Namibia, in which the company is targeting a final investment decision in 2026 and first oil by 2029. Beyond Venus, TotalEnergies is exploring additional prospects in the Orange Basin. The company recently drilled the Marula-1X and Tabmoti-1X wells, seeking additional discoveries offshore Namibia.
Meanwhile, in the Republic of the Congo, TotalEnergies is investing $500 million in the development of new wells, striving to increase production at the Moho Nord field. The investment aligns with broader plans by the company to unlock greater value from its operated assets and will provide a much-needed boost to Congolese oil blocks. In 2024, TotalEnergies deployed two deepwater rigs in the country – one at the Moho permit and one at the Marine permit. The exploration phase has been complete, with drilling activities officially underway. Two well have been drilled to date, with a third well in progress and a fourth being planned. Drilling activities come as TotalEnergies expands its presence in the country, increasing its stake in the Moho permit by an additional 10%. TotalEnergies is also accelerating the development of the Marine XX permit – a deepwater block currently in the exploration phase. Appraisal activities are ongoing and will support a potential discovery.
In the midstream sector, the company is gearing up for the start of operations at the East African Crude Oil Pipeline (EACOP) – connecting Uganda’s Tilenga and Kingfisher oilfields with Tanzania’s Port of Tanga. The Tilenga project is on track for first oil in 2025, with EACOP offering a direct route to export markets. TotalEnergies is also expanding its renewable energy portfolio in Africa, with strategic investments in solar and green hydrogen projects. These include a 500 MW Sadada solar project in Libya; a 250 MW Bujagali Hydropower project in Uganda; a 216 MW solar facility in South Africa; and the 1 GW Chbika project in Morocco.
TotalEnergies’ AEW: Invest in African Energies sponsorship reflects its broader commitment to Africa’s energy future. The company’s multi-energy strategy – incorporating upstream oil, natural gas projects, midstream infrastructure and renewables – is expected to unlock significant benefits for the countries in which it operates, highlighting the instrumental role diversified energy portfolios play in Africa.
Africa Fact: Bling culture existed in the mediaeval Sudan. Archaeologists found an individual buried at the Monastery of the Holy Trinity in the city of Old Dongola. He was clad in an extremely elaborate garb consisting of costly textiles of various fabrics including gold thread. At the city of Soba East, there were individuals buried in fine clothing, including items with golden thread.
ShadowDancer
Interview with a pirate:
There was a pirate who had agreed to do an interview with a local tv station. The reporter was very courteous and professional, giving a bit of background as to the pirate\’s business. She then began interviewing him.
\”So Mr. Longbeard, are there any risks to your business? I see you have a peg leg- how did that come about?\”
\”Well, y\’see I were sailing along the coast of South Africa, looking to plunder some locals when as I boarded the small boat from the ship, a great white shark came up and got my leg clean off. \’twas scary yes, but thus is the life of a pirate.\”
\”Wow, that is pretty scary- well, how about your hook? What happened to your hand with that?\”
\”Oh now that\’s quite the tale, y\’see I were fighting a rival pirate, and we had locked swords. We had been fighting for a few hours, and were both terribly fatigued. I had a bit of exhaustion and confusion, and when I went to block one of his sword blows, I met him with me hand instead of me sword. Took it right off, but it shocked him so much I managed to get him back pretty good and have him submit. So the hook hand was given as a replacement.\”
\”Wow. Simply fascinating. Now, what about your eye patch? How did that happen?\”
\”Well, one day, a seagull was flying overhead, and I looked up. It pooped right in me eye.\”
\”… Well wow. I must admit, I wouldn\’t think just seagull poop could damage the eye that badly.\”
\”Oh, I forgot to mention… it were me first day with the hook.\”
alberta
Domkop – idiot [dom-kop] Similar to the German “dummkopf” or Dutch “domkop”, this term literally translates to “dumb head” and is a derogatory term used to describe someone who you think is stupid.Example: “Ag! You domkop! You broke my cell phone!”