Exxon to invest in Africa’s biggest LNG project in Mozambique

Exxon’s project in the northern Cabo Delgado province will cost between $27bn and $33bn

A logo of the Exxon Mobil Corp is seen at the Rio Oil and Gas Expo and Conference in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil September 24, 2018. REUTERS/Sergio Moraes
Powered by automated translation

Mozambique’s government said Exxon Mobil will sign off on a final investment decision for a Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) project that could cost as much as $33 billion (Dh119bn) to build -- the biggest ever in Africa.

A ceremony marking the decision will take place on October 8 in Maputo, the capital of the southeast African nation, the Ministry of Mineral Resources and Energy said in a statement.

Exxon’s project in the northern Cabo Delgado province will cost between $27bn and $33bn, according to a report that Johannesburg-based Standard Bank Group published in March. The 15.2-million tonnes per year gas liquefaction and export project is even bigger than the one that Total is building nearby, and both will transform Mozambique’s $15bn economy.

“We look forward to progressing the Rovuma LNG project and working with the government to maximise the long-term benefits that this project will bring,” a spokesman for Exxon said in an emailed response to questions.

The final investment decision could boost President Filipe Nyusi’s chances in general elections scheduled a week later. A promise to develop the country’s natural gas industry has formed a big part of Mr Nyusi’s campaign.