The Executive Director for Natural Gas at the Brazilian Institute of Oil, Gas and Biofuels (IBP), Sylvie D’Apote, stated on Thursday (7) in Maputo that the sustainable development of the natural gas industry depends heavily on infrastructure expansion, market integration and the creation of a competitive regulatory environment.
Speaking during the 12th Mozambique Mining and Energy Conference and Exhibition (MMEC 2026), the official shared Brazil’s experience in developing its natural gas market, highlighting the challenges faced over recent decades.
According to Sylvie D’Apote, Brazil took around 30 years to build its integrated natural gas network, a process that required continuous investment in pipelines, thermal power plants, distribution systems and regulatory reforms.
“All of this takes time. Development happened over decades and required continuous improvements in legislation and regulation,” she said.
The executive explained that the expansion of infrastructure enabled Brazil to transform natural gas into a strategic resource for power generation, industry, petrochemicals, fertilizers and transportation.
Among the main examples cited was the creation of an extensive integrated gas pipeline network and the development of alternative transport solutions for liquefied natural gas (LNG) to reach regions far from major industrial centres.
According to her explanation, some Brazilian regions began receiving gas through “virtual pipeline” systems, using trucks to transport LNG to areas not covered by conventional infrastructure networks.
Sylvie D’Apote also stressed that the Brazilian experience demonstrates the importance of collaboration between governments, regulators and the private sector in ensuring the sustainability of the energy market.
“Collaboration and dialogue among all public and private stakeholders are essential for building a strong and sustainable market,” she stated.
She further highlighted the need for public policies and legislation to evolve alongside the market, adapting to the needs of investors and consumers.
According to D’Apote, Brazil recently entered a new phase of reforms with the approval of the 2021 Gas Law, aimed at promoting greater competition among producers and increasing the sector’s competitiveness.
During her speech, Sylvie D’Apote said Mozambique has the potential to follow a similar path by leveraging its natural gas reserves to drive industrialisation, energy security and economic development.
“Natural resources represent only the beginning of a long development journey,” she said.
MMEC 2026 began on Wednesday (6) and ends this Thursday (7) at the Joaquim Chissano International Conference Centre in Maputo, bringing together government representatives, investors, oil companies, mining firms and national and international experts to discuss energy, mining, industrialisation and regional integration.
Text: Felisberto Ruco
