Mozambique, Senegal, Mauritania: ExxonMobil and BP's LNG megaprojects take a leap forward

At African Energy Week 2024, held from 4 to 8 November in Cape Town, South Africa, ExxonMobil and British Petroleum (BP) confirmed their massive commitment to Africa through two flagship projects: Rovuma LNG in Mozambique and Grande Tortue Ahmeyim (GTA) offshore Senegal and Mauritania. These investments, on an unprecedented scale, are reshaping Africa's energy map.

Rovuma LNG: A stratospheric mega-project

ExxonMobil is focusing on the Rovuma LNG project, which will develop the huge natural gas reserves of the Rovuma Basin, estimated at more than 100 trillion cubic feet. With a planned production capacity of 18 million tonnes per annum (MTPA), Rovuma LNG will become one of the largest liquefaction projects in Africa.

At an estimated cost of $30 billion, the project includes colossal infrastructure, including a liquefaction plant in the Afungi region, gas pipelines and export terminals. This industrial behemoth will generate thousands of jobs, boost local skills and support Mozambican businesses.

According to Frank Kretschmer, Managing Director of ExxonMobil Mozambique, the project aims not only to meet the growing global demand for natural gas (+20% by 2050), but also to play a leading role in reducing carbon emissions.

GTA: Innovative cross-border collaboration

BP is focusing on the Grande Tortue Ahmeyim (GTA) project, located on the maritime border between Senegal and Mauritania. This 2.3 MTPA, 20-year project incorporates innovative infrastructure such as a floating production, storage and offloading (FPSO) unit, as well as some of the deepest subsea systems in the world.

The cross-border nature of the project meant that regulations had to be harmonised between the two countries, a challenge that was met thanks to exemplary collaboration between governments, regulators and partners. This cooperation has created a stable framework for the development of the field and ensured a fair distribution of gas resources.

Local content and technology transfer

Local integration is at the heart of the two majors' strategies. ExxonMobil and BP are investing heavily in training local human resources. In Mozambique, Rovuma LNG will generate thousands of jobs and opportunities for local businesses. BP, for its part, has launched a tailor-made training programme for 47 Mauritanian and Senegalese technicians, while supporting local entrepreneurs.

These efforts are aimed at transferring skills, stimulating local economic development and enhancing the social acceptability of projects.

Rovuma LNG and GTA illustrate ExxonMobil and BP's ambition to position Africa as a central player in the global energy landscape. These projects could also pave the way for further investment in liquefied natural gas, consolidating the continent's role in the global energy transition.