The South Korean government, through its senior advisor and former Deputy Minister of Industry and Trade, Jae Do Moon, warned that Mozambique’s main challenge is to transform “from a gas producer into a gas user serving its own development.” He spoke on Monday (13) during the presentation of the Final Report of the Knowledge Sharing Program (KSP) Feasibility Study – “Massification of Natural Vehicle Gas Use in Mozambique,” developed in partnership with South Korea.
Jae Do Moon praised the Mozambican government’s efforts in promoting natural gas, stating: “Our researchers have deeply understood the government’s political efforts and the hope that natural gas use will drive economic development for the country.”
He recalled that South Korea has proposed various cooperation projects aimed at boosting Mozambique’s economy and strengthening bilateral ties. He added, “The latest KSP report will not only conclude a policy but also serve as a meeting point between cooperation and the growth of institutions and businesses.”
According to Jae Do Moon, the cooperation between Mozambique and South Korea has produced tangible results and reflects a long-term commitment. This partnership represents an opportunity to share knowledge and technology that could accelerate Mozambique’s energy development.
Domestic use of natural gas in transport, power generation, and fertilizer production can create jobs and new industries.
Jae Do Moon also noted that on October 2, Mozambique confirmed the final investment decision for the Coral North Project – a floating liquefied natural gas (FLNG) project – marking “a new chapter in the country’s energy development.” He added that this decision places Mozambique “on the right path to becoming a true energy leader in Africa by 2028.”
The South Korean official emphasized that the transformative impact of natural gas will only be fully realized when the resource is used internally. He highlighted that sectors like transport, energy generation, and fertilizer production could generate employment and foster new industries.
He reaffirmed South Korea’s commitment to supporting Mozambique, ensuring that “South Korea will be a strong and reliable partner for Mozambique on this energy journey.” He also noted that the sector’s success depends on Mozambique’s ability to turn gas revenues into real benefits for its citizens.
For his part, António Manda, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Mineral Resources and Energy, acknowledged South Korea’s support and emphasized the importance of promoting natural vehicle gas (NGV). “We want to accelerate the use of natural gas as an alternative fuel, given the challenges we face with importing liquid fuels,” he concluded.
Text: Florença Nhabinde
