The Resources & Energy Executive Forum 2026, organised by Absa, highlighted developments in Mozambique’s resources and energy sectors. One of the key highlights was an update on the ExxonMobil project by Arne Gibbs, Country Manager for ExxonMobil Mozambique. He explained that the project hopes to secure the necessary government and stakeholder approvals soon, with the FID expected to be announced later this year.
The updated 2025 ExxonMobil Plan of Development outlines significant projected impacts for Mozambique, including approximately USD 6 billion in local spending, USD 300 million in community investment and around 7,500 Mozambicans expected to be engaged. It also includes an 85% nationalisation rate, 650 MCFD of domestic gas without additional pipeline investment, and an approximately 40% reduction in emissions (around 13 T CO₂e/100T Wellhead), establishing a path to net-zero emissions.
The CTA Bureau of Local Content supports these investments alongside the Government and international oil companies (IOCs). However, the local content approach needs to be widened to include all essential investments exceeding USD 100 million in Mozambique, including mining, energy, ports, banks, tourism and other sectors.
The potential impact is massive: 2 million jobs can be created, 10,000 suppliers developed, and 20 industrial parks alongside 50 business hubs built through a joint venture with the Government and MozParks.
It is essential that projects in Palma are not closed off. Cabo Delgado Parks will help build this bridge by creating the infrastructure needed for local suppliers to participate in these projects and develop additional industries, such as agro-processing and construction.
Working together is essential to the success of this economic transformation. The Bureau de Conteúdo Local (BCL) was established to coordinate these efforts and ensure a unified approach to local development.
About the Bureau de Conteúdo Local (Local Content Bureau)
The Bureau de Conteúdo Local is a specialized division of the Confederation of Economic Associations (CTA) dedicated to promoting Mozambican participation in the country’s economic growth. It serves as the operational office of CTA’s Local Content mandate, ensuring that national companies, workers, and communities directly benefit from industrial and natural resource development. Working across key sectors, such as energy, mining, manufacturing, and infrastructure, the Bureau supports job creation, business development, and supplier integration. Its initiatives link national enterprises with large-scale investments, promote access to finance, and strengthen collaboration between government, industry, and local communities.
By Adrian Frey
- Chairman of MozParks SA and President of the Local Content Bureau of Mozambique