African Energy Chamber (AEC) chief executive NJ Ayuk has argued that Mozambique can maximise the potential of its vast natural gas reserves by adopting regulatory reforms modelled on Angola’s experience, creating a more predictable and competitive investment environment.
In an article published on Tuesday on the AEC’s website, Ayuk contends that as major liquefied natural gas (LNG) projects advance in Mozambique, Angola’s track record demonstrates that regulatory stability and institutional reform can play a decisive role in attracting investment and generating long-term economic growth.
“Mozambique holds one of Africa’s largest natural gas reserves, estimated at between 100 and 150 trillion cubic feet (tcf), underpinning a new generation of LNG mega-projects, including the resumption of Mozambique LNG, the approval of Coral Norte FLNG, and progress on Rovuma LNG,” Ayuk wrote.
He argues that fully capitalising on these resources will depend not only on export capacity, but on establishing a regulatory framework that is genuinely conducive to investment.
“Geology alone does not attract investment. Investors deploy capital where regulation is predictable, contracts are honoured, and governments compete for long-term partnerships. Mozambique has the resources needed to become a global LNG powerhouse. Angola’s experience shows that strong institutions, predictable regulation, and targeted reforms can help ensure those resources translate into lasting economic growth,” Ayuk said.
In the article, Ayuk recalls that Angola launched a series of gas monetisation reforms in 2018, including the passage of the Gas Monetisation Law, the development of a Gas Master Plan, and the introduction of specific incentives within its petroleum legislation.
He notes that these measures opened the sector to private investment, leading in 2025 to the launch of Angola’s first non-associated gas project, developed by the New Gas Consortium, as well as the country’s first dedicated gas discovery at the Gajajeira well in Block 1/14.
Ayuk also highlights Angola’s licensing strategy as a reference point for Mozambique. He points to Angola’s adoption of a multi-year concession programme, complemented by a permanent offer system allowing blocks to be negotiated outside traditional licensing rounds, alongside fiscal incentives targeting exploration in new areas, the revitalisation of mature fields, and gas development.
These mechanisms, he argues, “helped attract international companies such as Shell, Petrobras, and Oando to new exploration opportunities, while Mozambique continues to rely primarily on periodic licensing rounds, despite the existing potential in the Angoche and Zambezi basins.”
Ayuk concludes that adopting more flexible licensing mechanisms could help Mozambique sustain investment momentum beyond its current LNG mega-projects, reinforcing investor confidence and enabling broader monetisation of its natural gas resources.
The African Energy Chamber is a pan-African organisation founded in 2018 that represents and promotes the interests of Africa’s energy industry, particularly in the oil and gas sectors. Headquartered in Johannesburg and led by NJ Ayuk, it is a private industry advocacy body — not an official representative of African governments or the African Union — and produces reports, opinion articles, and policy recommendations, frequently in collaboration with industry companies, investors, and African governments.
Source: Diário Económico
Original article: https://www.diarioeconomico.co.mz/2026/07/07/oilgas/african-energy-chamber-aponta-modelo-angolano-como-referencia-para-o-sector-do-gas-em-mocambique/
