Mozambique calls for action: "Drill, baby, drill!" at the ACS round table

Mozambique is firmly committed to maximising oil and gas exploration and production as a catalyst for industrialisation and economic growth. This was the key message delivered by Florival Mucave, President of the Mozambique Chamber of Energy, at the "Investing in African Energy: Mozambique" round table, organised in partnership with the African Chamber of Energy (AEC) on Thursday in Maputo.

In his opening speech, Mucave stressed that increased investment in oil and gas projects represents the best opportunity for Mozambique to eradicate poverty and accelerate its economic development.

"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, Executive Chairman of the AEC, supported this vision, stressing the need for closer collaboration between the private and public sectors. He stressed that this cooperation is essential to promote the inclusion of young people and women, while creating a favourable environment for investors.

"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.