Mozambique upstream progress defies unrest
The east African country continues to attract investment in oil and gas projects, but concerns over security are still impeding developments in the gas-rich north
China's state-controlled Cnooc is seeking to invest in Mozambique for the first time, while Italy’s Eni is looking to expand its portfolio in the troubled east African nation, after both firms submitted bids in Mozambique’s sixth licensing round. Cnooc bid for five blocks: three in the Angoche basin and two in the Save basin, according to Mozambican regulator INP. The Chinese firm is proposing operating the blocks with 70–80pc ownership, with Mozambican NOC ENH holding the remainder. If the bids are successful, they would be Cnooc’s first foray into the country. Eni, meanwhile, bid to operate one block in the Angoche basin with a 60pc stake, with ENH holding the remaining 40pc. INP plans to

Also in this section
21 March 2025
Two recent developments raise the prospect of a revival in northern Iraqi oil and gas fortunes, but familiar obstacles could thwart momentum
20 March 2025
As cash-strapped Western governments commit to substantially raising defence expenditure, a similar dynamic is playing out in Saudi Arabia’s oil and gas sector, as Saudi Aramco maintains it heavy capex push despite reduced revenues
20 March 2025
Tariffs, sanctions and trade conflicts are upending the oil market, impacting crude differentials and shipping rates and creating uncertainty
20 March 2025
While advanced economies debate peak fossil fuel demand, billions of people still lack access to reliable and affordable energy, especially in the Global South