Mozambique snubs Africa Energies Summit

by ARMANDO DOMINGOS
MAPUTO, (CAJ News) – MOZAMBIQUE’S oil and gas industry has announced its withdrawal from the upcoming Africa Energies Summit, citing serious concerns over local content, diversity, and the treatment of Black professionals by the event’s organisers.

The summit, hosted by Frontier Energy Network and scheduled for May in London, has come under increasing scrutiny from African stakeholders who argue that platforms representing the continent’s energy sector must reflect its values of inclusion, fairness, and meaningful local participation.

The decision by Mozambique’s industry leaders follows mounting frustration over what they describe as a persistent lack of transparency and inclusivity within the summit’s leadership.

Criticism has centred on organisers Gayle Meikle and Daniel Davidson, who have reportedly resisted calls to disclose workforce diversity data and address hiring practices.

Industry representatives allege that these practices effectively exclude Black professionals, despite the summit deriving much of its revenue and relevance from Africa.

“In 2026, this is not the behaviour we expect from any platform using the name ‘Africa’ while engaging our oil and gas sector,” said Florival Mucave, President of the Mozambique Energy Chamber.

“The behaviour of Gayle Meikle and Daniel Davidson regarding the hiring of Black professionals is deeply offensive to many Mozambicans and Africans. Our members will not be going to London,” he added.

Mozambique’s withdrawal carries significant weight at a time when the country is emerging as a major force in the global gas industry.

Home to some of the largest natural gas discoveries in recent decades, the southern African nation is rapidly strengthening its position in the liquefied natural gas (LNG) market.

After years of delays, several flagship projects are now regaining momentum.

The TotalEnergies-led Mozambique LNG project resumed full onshore and offshore activities in January 2026 following the lifting of force majeure in 2025.

Construction is now underway, with more than 4,000 workers mobilised—approximately 3,000 of them Mozambican. First production is targeted for 2029, with contracts worth US$4 billion already awarded to local companies.

Similarly, the ExxonMobil-led Rovuma LNG project is progressing toward a final investment decision in 2026 after its force majeure was lifted last year.

Offshore developments are also advancing. Following the successful launch of the Eni-operated Coral Sul floating LNG facility in 2022, the Coral Norte project reached its final investment decision in 2025 and is expected to begin operations in 2028.

For Mozambican authorities and industry leaders, the withdrawal is rooted in deeper concerns about the role of local content and community inclusion in the energy sector.

“Mozambique understands all too well the consequences when citizens feel excluded from the benefits of the oil and gas industry,” Mucave said, referencing unrest in the country’s north that previously disrupted major projects.

“Our country is currently engaged in critical discussions around local content and community participation. At a time when we are restarting mega gas projects, the narrative should not be one of exclusion,” he added.

Mucave stressed that Mozambique has invested heavily in building local capacity, including promoting science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) education to prepare young professionals for opportunities in the sector.

“We do not want environments where young Mozambicans are judged by the colour of their skin rather than their qualifications and experience,” he said.

As exploration activity accelerates across the Rovuma Basin, Mozambique’s gas sector is entering a decisive phase.

Industry leaders warn that ensuring inclusivity and fair representation will be critical not only for national success but also for the credibility of Africa’s broader energy narrative.

“Failure to maintain a culture that fosters innovation, collaboration and inclusion will disrupt operations and create uncertainty,” Mucave cautioned.

“The oil and gas industry must not undermine the goodwill Africans have shown by supporting platforms that many now view as dismissive or offensive to the next generation.”

Mozambique’s stance signals a broader shift across the continent, where governments and industry players are increasingly demanding that international energy platforms align with Africa’s priorities—particularly around equity, representation, and local participation.

– CAJ News