Brasilia, Sept. 22, 2026 (Lusa) - Mozambican president Daniel Chapo has stated that the country aims to transform hydrocarbon exploration into industrialisation, jobs and business development, whilst presenting the strategy for a new phase in the energy sector in Rio de Janeiro.
Speaking at the opening of the Rio Oil and Gas 2026 Forum on Monday, Chapo highlighted investment opportunities in Mozambique and invited Brazilian companies to participate in the expansion of the energy industry and national value chains.
The head of state advocated a use of energy resources that goes beyond exports, focusing on the production of electricity, fertilisers and petrochemicals, the development of agriculture, and the creation of new industries and jobs.
«We want to produce and export energy, but above all, we want to use it to industrialise Mozambique, increase domestic production, develop agriculture and agribusiness, produce fertilisers, support new industries and create jobs,» he said.
Chapo also advocated for an energy transition that takes African development needs into account, arguing that the continent needs energy to industrialise, bring electricity to households, power factories and produce fertilisers.
«The energy transition cannot mean a transition without energy,» he stated, arguing that there will be no truly fair transition if clean energy is available only to some whilst others remain in a state of energy poverty.
He regarded natural gas as part of a «pragmatic and responsible» transition, arguing that environmental sustainability and development must go hand in hand.
In his speech, Chapo announced a new phase of licensing for hydrocarbon exploration and production, underpinned by more robust geological data and a modernised regulatory framework.
He also highlighted the new Petroleum Law, passed in June, which, he stated, aims to ensure legal predictability, fiscal stability, regulatory transparency and legal protection for investors.
According to Chapo, the new legislation establishes a minimum quota of 25% of oil and gas for the domestic market and for industrialisation, intended to generate electricity, produce fertilisers and petrochemicals, and fuel new industries.
He also highlighted the importance of local content in developing Mozambican companies, promoting technology transfer and increasing national participation in the supply chains linked to major energy projects.
«For Mozambique, exporting gas is part of the outcome, not the whole outcome,» he said, arguing that the value of these resources should also be measured by the electricity generated, the factories supplied, the jobs created and the Mozambican companies that have been developed.
He specifically highlighted Brazil, emphasising the country's expertise in deep-water operations, subsea systems, large-scale project engineering, manufacturing, offshore logistics, maintenance and the development of supply chains.
«We are not just looking for suppliers. We are looking for partners,» he stated, advocating for joint ventures, consortia and partnerships between Mozambican and Brazilian companies that combine technology and international experience with local knowledge.
In this context, he welcomed the Memorandum of Understanding between the Brazilian state-owned company Petrobras and the National Hydrocarbons Company (ENH), noting that it could pave the way for a more significant presence of the Brazilian oil company in Mozambique.
Chapo stated that the energy projects under development are worth around $50 billion (€43.6 billion) and argued that Mozambique must transform its resources into industry, knowledge, businesses, jobs and opportunities.
MYMA/AYLS // AYLS
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