African Energy Chamber Backs Mozambique To Prevail

By Ajong Mbapndah L & Boris Esono Nwenfor

BUEA, Cameroon – The African Energy Chamber, the voice of Africa’s energy sector, has expressed optimism about Mozambique’s ability to overcome recent unrest and capitalize on its immense energy potential this year.

The Executive Chairman of the African Energy Chamber, AEC, NJ Ayuk, made the declaration following an interview with Arise TV, where he offered sharp analysis and actionable insights on the energy sector, saying it’s time for Africa to drive the global energy conversation forward.

Ayuk's intervention also comes after he had a 10-day visit to Mozambique, praising the country's resilience and underscoring its importance as a key player in the global energy landscape.

Don't Bet Against Mozambique.

The AEC Executive chairman's visit came at a time when the country is grappling with political unrest and security challenges. Despite these issues, NJ Ayuk remains bullish about Mozambique's future, emphasizing the role of its youthful leadership and burgeoning energy sector in driving growth and stability.

“I just spent the last 10 days in Mozambique, I was in Mozambique, and I was on the ground. I saw some of the violence and I saw a lot of the unrest. But I can tell you this, don't bet against Mozambique. Don't bet against Mozambicans. They're going to get this together. They got a fledgling democracy that is struggling but is going to come back,” NJ Ayuk, Executive Chairman of the African Energy Chamber said.

Ayuk’s resolve comes from the strong resolve of the new president who has taken proactive approaches to governance. NJ Ayuk said: “TotalEnergies is going to move into Mozambique this year—the new president, a young man, Chapo, 47 years old. I can tell you this, this guy is going to get these projects on and he's going to push it on. He has a very strong commitment to ensuring that gas projects are developed, whether it's the Exxon projects other projects around Rovuma, or the projects by E&I. But he is going to do what the past or previous leadership has not done, engage with the people.”

“He comes from a younger generation. He is connected with everyday young Mozambicans. And you see the violence is going down. It's subsiding because he's been on the phone engaging with various opposition parties to build a big, strong coalition and then govern with true purpose.”

Mozambicans Must Not Let This Opportunity Pass By.

Mozambique is home to some of the world's largest gas reserves, making it a critical layer in the world's energy market discussions. NJ Ayuk further highlighted that developing the country's gas reserves is not only for exports, but also for domestic energy needs, industrialization, and job creation.

“I think we should look at Mozambique. What is going to be even more interesting is how he's able to bring in those dollars from the United States Exxon Bank or the UK Exxon Bank to finance some of these gas projects, because those are some of the biggest gas reserves in the world. Mozambicans must not let this opportunity pass by. And that is what we must be driving there,” NJ Ayuk added.

“I'm ready to go back to Mozambique. I spent 10 days there, liked it a lot. It was challenging, but I'll be going right back there with them. I think we need to stand with them shoulder to shoulder and we need to go very strong forward with drill, baby drill in Mozambique, but also do it peacefully.”

For Mozambique, the expansion of its gas reserves represents more than just economic growth – it is a pathway to energy security, poverty alleviation, and industrialization. “Gas projects must be developed in a way that improves the lives of Mozambicans,” NJ Ayuk said.