Le Mozambique s’engage fermement à maximiser l’exploration et la production de pétrole et de gaz afin de catalyser son industrialisation et sa croissance économique. C’est le message clé délivré par Florival Mucave, président de la Chambre de l’énergie du Mozambique, lors de la table ronde « Investir dans les énergies africaines : Mozambique », organisée en partenariat avec la Chambre africaine de l’énergie (AEC) jeudi à Maputo.
Dans son discours d’ouverture, Mucave a souligné que l’augmentation des investissements dans les projets pétroliers et gaziers représente la meilleure opportunité pour le Mozambique d’éradiquer la pauvreté et d’accélérer son développement économique.
"We are convinced that oil and gas will bring considerable benefits to our population. While we are aware of the challenges posed by climate change and remain committed to addressing them, we cannot afford to sit on these vast resources and continue to struggle economically," said Mucave.
NJ Ayuk, président exécutif de l’AEC, a appuyé cette vision en insistant sur la nécessité d’une collaboration plus étroite entre les secteurs privé et public. Il a souligné que cette coopération est essentielle pour favoriser l’inclusion des jeunes et des femmes, tout en créant un environnement propice aux investisseurs.
"Mozambique's energy history is still being written, and it has to be written here in Mozambique. We must do this by prioritising local content, avoiding the nationalisation of resources and strengthening partnerships with global and local companies - they are not our adversaries", Ayuk pointed out.
He also urged Mozambique to resist the demonisation of fossil fuels, saying: "When they tell you that oil is bad, while they continue to profit from it, we have to produce every drop to empower ourselves. Don't apologise for developing this God-given resource. The Chamber will continue to support you."
At the event, the administrator of Mozambique's oil regulator, Milton Macuacua Zibane, announced that the country was doing everything possible to speed up the implementation of projects worth more than $15 billion. These initiatives are aimed at creating local jobs and promoting economic expansion.
With these efforts, Mozambique is establishing itself as a key player in the African energy sector, relying on its natural resources to transform its economy and improve living conditions for its people.