The President of Parliament, Margarida Talapa, argued on Tuesday (19), in Algeria, that African countries should invest in building refineries in order to obtain greater benefits from their oil and mineral resources, promoting wealth generation and local development, reported Lusa.
During a working visit to the headquarters of the African Energy Commission, Margarida Talapa stated that Algeria should serve as an example for African countries in the local transformation of energy resources, allowing benefits to reach populations directly.
“Algeria’s oil and gas are not exported in raw form. They are refined locally and distributed for the benefit of the Algerian population. I think that should be our model for African countries,” said the Mozambican leader.
According to the official, African Parliaments and Governments have the responsibility to create conditions for partnerships with countries that have experience in the refining and transformation of natural resources.
“This is the responsibility of Parliaments and Governments: to create conditions for partnerships with countries that have this experience, build refineries and ensure that our resources generate wealth for Africans in their own countries,” she added.
The Speaker also considered that this is the time for African countries, including Mozambique, to invest in refinery construction and in human capacity development, aiming to improve the management and valorisation of the continent’s natural resources.
“Our countries are rich in oil, gas and mineral resources. This is the time for us to reflect on strategies for the development of our countries. This is one of the objectives of our presence in Algeria,” said Margarida Talapa.
Mozambique currently has three major approved natural gas projects in the Rovuma Basin, off the coast of Cabo Delgado. Among them is the TotalEnergies project, with a production capacity of 13 million tons per year, which is in the restart phase after suspension caused by extremist attacks in the province.
The country also has the ExxonMobil project, estimated at 18 million tons per year and still awaiting a final investment decision. Both projects are located in the Afungi peninsula.
In ultra-deep waters of the same basin, Area 4, led by Eni, has been operating the Coral Sul floating unit since 2022 and is preparing for the launch of Coral Norte, scheduled for 2028.
