TotalEnergies and the Northern Integrated Development Agency (ADIN) formalized on Monday, September 1, in Maputo, the signing of a memorandum of understanding aimed at intensifying socio-economic development actions in Cabo Delgado province, particularly in the districts of Palma and Mocímboa da Praia.
The agreement, signed at the Ministry of Planning and Development, is presented as another step in the oil company’s commitment to the reconstruction and resilience of local communities, at a stage when natural gas has not yet begun to be commercially exploited.
According to Maxime Rabilloud, Managing Director of TotalEnergies in Mozambique, the memorandum reinforces a strategy already underway since 2021, which seeks to create jobs and boost income in sectors such as agriculture, fishing, education, health, biodiversity, and local trade. He recalled that, despite not yet being in production, the Mozambique LNG project has already created more than 8,000 jobs in Palma and Mocímboa da Praia.
“We continue to believe in the future of gas in Mozambique, but we argue that its impact should be felt now, not only once production begins,” said Rabilloud, emphasizing that the new memorandum represents “joint work with the Government, aligned with its public policies”, and stressing that local communities must benefit from the opportunities created “even before production starts.”
The document was signed by Rabilloud and Jacinto Loureiro, chairman of ADIN’s executive board, in a ceremony attended by Minister of Planning and Development Salim Valá and the Governor of Cabo Delgado. On the occasion, Minister Valá highlighted the importance of diversifying the national economy, avoiding exclusive dependence on natural resources. “We want a more diversified economy, less centered on the primary sector, with investments in infrastructure, environmental sustainability, and the circular economy,” he said, adding that the Government is already implementing other complementary initiatives such as the Mutual Guarantee Fund, the Local Economic Development Fund, and the Economic Recovery Fund.
For his part, the Governor of Cabo Delgado stressed that the memorandum represents a “renewal of hope” for the youth and families of the province, noting that the role of the provincial executive will be to ensure coordination and articulation between ADIN and other actors to guarantee the project’s success.
ADIN’s chairman, Jacinto Loureiro, underlined the relevance of the Government’s direct involvement in the program’s design and implementation, pointing to this approach as an “exemplary innovation” that should serve as a model for other institutions. “This is a program with the face of the Government, implemented by a national agency and aligned with public policies,” he stated, stressing that TotalEnergies’ commitment reinforces institutional responsibility to deliver concrete results.
In his speech, Rabilloud also announced that, within the framework of the construction phase of the Mozambique LNG project, nearly $5 billion will be invested in Mozambique over the coming years, with a direct impact on the national economy.
The memorandum is part of a broader vision for the reconstruction of Cabo Delgado, a region heavily affected by terrorist attacks in recent years, and is seen by the parties involved as a clear demonstration of mutual trust between the Mozambican Government and its international partners.
Text: Felisberto Ruco
