TotalEnergies continues to invest in human development. Its local content program has become one of the most ambitious initiatives, focusing on technical training for young people and strengthening SMEs.
TotalEnergies’ commitment to promoting a new generation of technicians and empowering small and medium enterprises (SMEs) has a clear purpose. “Maximizing local content is at the heart of our strategy. We are building skills and laying solid foundations for Mozambique’s future,” says Edna Simbine, head of local content at TotalEnergies. The pillar of training and employment is central to the strategy, which is based on three domains: employment and training, the supply of goods and services by Mozambican companies, and technology transfer.
Technical Training in Cabo Delgado
In Cabo Delgado Province, the project goes far beyond theoretical plans. Professional training initiatives have been launched in partnership with local institutes, such as the Alberto Cassimo Institute of Vocational Training and Labor Studies (IFPELAC) and the Industrial and Commercial Institute of Pemba (IICP). Hundreds of trainees, including several dozen women, have received technical training aimed at employability.
Additionally, more than 2,000 Mozambican companies are registered on the project’s supplier portal through the international Achilles platform, allowing them to compete in supply processes within the value chain. This mapping is essential for identifying gaps and creating partnerships between national and international companies.
Entrepreneurship: SMEs Strengthen the Economic Fabric
Strengthening local companies constitutes the second pillar of the strategy. The local content policy requires concessionaires to procure goods and services from Mozambican companies whenever conditions are equivalent or when the price does not exceed 10% above the average of foreign suppliers.
To achieve this, the project organized workshops and business missions bringing together Mozambican and international companies, promoting partnerships and technology transfer. A “One-Stop Shop” was also established in Pemba, serving as a direct contact point between the project and local companies.
International Education and Knowledge Transfer
The third pillar of the strategy focuses on training and knowledge transfer. The Mozambique LNG consortium has provided scholarships and international internships to young Mozambicans, including training in France, Ghana, the United Arab Emirates, and Portugal. These opportunities aim to strengthen technical skills and promote the adoption of international work standards.
According to TotalEnergies, the project seeks to activate value chains beyond the oil and gas sector, covering areas such as construction, logistics, transportation, and general services. The goal is to leave a broader and more lasting economic legacy for the country.
Gender and Inclusion: Women in New Professional Fields
One of the program’s most notable aspects is the inclusion of women in traditionally male-dominated fields. According to Edna Simbine, dozens of women have actively participated in technical training, challenging stereotypes and contributing to a more diverse and inclusive work environment. “We are breaking barriers and showing that Mozambican women are capable of occupying any space. Gender equality is a key pillar of our work,” emphasizes Simbine.
Partnerships, Regulation, and Long-Term Sustainability
The implementation of this local content strategy occurs within an increasingly clear regulatory framework. Ministerial Diploma No. 55/2024, approved in July 2024, defines the obligations of concessionaires regarding the hiring of Mozambican labor, granting scholarships, and giving preference to local suppliers. This legal framework provides predictability and transparency, reinforcing investor confidence and consolidating the project’s economic impact.
On the social front, Mozambique LNG continues to invest in programs focused on community development, with attention to road safety, youth and education, forests and climate, and cultural heritage.
“What we are building goes far beyond a gas project. It is a direct investment in people, ideas, and capacities that will drive the country forward,” concludes Edna Simbine.
Text: Felisberto Ruco • Photography: DR
