UK’s withdrawal from The Mozambique LNG, Project highlights how Western climate agendas undermine Africa’s urgent need for energy security and economic growth
The UK government’s recent decision to withdraw $1.15 billion in support from the TotalEnergies-led Mozambique LNG project is according to the African Energy Chamber (AEC), is a concerning example of Western policy priorities undermining Africa’s development. The withdrawal announced on Monday, comes at a moment when global energy markets face unprecedented pressure.
Yet, the move would indicate that the UK’s policies appear to be more focused on ideological virtue signalling rather than practical solutions to persistent energy poverty in developing regions.
The Mozambique LNG project is far more than another fossil fuel venture. It represents a transformative opportunity for the continent, with the potential to deliver 13 Mtpa (million tons per annum) of LNG annually that would have powered industrialisation and the growth of industries, fuelling domestic GDP and supporting economic development in a region where millions still live without reliable electricity. By withdrawing support, the UK has in essence, chosen to prioritise its green and “woke” agenda over African progress, focusing on counting emissions rather than taking into consideration African energy poverty and the need to prioritise energy security, affordability and sovereignty.
Background to the Withdrawal
Security challenges in northern Cabo Delgado forced TotalEnergies to suspend operations in 2021. Since then, improved conditions have allowed the company to lift the suspension and resume planning, contingent on government approval for a revised development roadmap.
Rather than recognise this progress, UK Export Finance cited ‘risks’ as justification for withdrawal, a rationale that reflects priorities driven more by political optics than by Africa’s urgent energy needs. The same risk has been evaluated by the US, with the US Export-Import Bank moving to reapprove a loan earlier in 2025 in recognition of the improved situation on the ground.
The decision to withdraw financing reflects a broader trend by the UK to follow an anti-fossil fuels agenda, one that has already put North Sea production in great decline.The African Energy Chamber (AEC) says that it “condemns the decision to withdraw, deeming the decision as not only a setback for Mozambique but for the entire continent”.
The abrupt withdrawal undermines African energy security, industrial ambitions and efforts to lift millions from energy poverty. This pattern has repeated itself across the continent: projects delayed or blocked, investments withheld, all justified in the name of climate or security concerns, while energy poverty persists.
Africa does not need moral instruction on climate from nations that consume energy at levels far beyond the continent’s needs. What is essential are partnerships that respect African priorities, timelines and the sovereign right to develop sustainably.
“Withdrawing support from Mozambique LNG is a betrayal of Africa’s right to energy security and a slap in the face of progress for the continent’s millions living without reliable power. This moment should serve as a call to action: it serves as a stark reminder that Africa’s energy future cannot rely solely on foreign financing or conditional support” states the AEC.
Perspective on The Mozambique LNG Project
Africa remains a key global LNG supplier, driven by giants like Nigeria (22 Mtpa capacity), Algeria (29 Mtpa), and Angola (5.6 Mtpa), with emerging players like Senegal adding momentum. However, the continent’s LNG infrastructure lags its vast reserves, focusing heavily on exports amid limited domestic regasification.
Total LNG Production in Africa
In 2025, Africa’s LNG production is forecasted at approximately 40 Mtpa, up from 35.7 Mtpa in 2024, fueled by expansions in Nigeria’s Train 7 (adding ~8 Mtpa by late 2025) and Senegal-Mauritania’s Grand Tortue Ahmeyim (initial 2.5 Mtpa). This represents about 9-10% of global output (~450 Mtpa). The Mozambique project’s 13 Mtpa would account for 32.5% of this total— a substantial boost, potentially elevating Africa’s share to 12% if realised, but the funding pull highlights a growing distance between developed nation’s perspectives and realities in a developing African continent.
Gas‑liquefaction projects in Cabo Delgado are expected to create at least 10,000 direct jobs by 2025, focusing on local populations and supporting young graduates with SME development. Construction of the Mozambique LNG facility alone has been estimated to create around 5,000 jobs. Beyond employment, LNG production and exports have already generated rising government revenues – with state LNG‑related earnings increasing by over 20% last year. Once fully operational and supported by stable financing, Mozambique LNG could deliver the energy, revenue and human capital needed to power industry, boost public services and lift communities out of energy poverty.
Africa Must Start Doing Things For Itself
Africa is rich in natural resources – including its 620 trillion cubic feet of natural gas. Yet these resources are too often treated by Western governments as tools of influence rather than drivers of growth. The UK’s withdrawal Highlights the urgent need for Africa to develop independent financing mechanisms, attract investors who respect its priorities and strengthen regional cooperation to protect critical energy projects
Energy security cannot be dictated by shifting foreign political priorities. Led by Africans with a focus on responsible development, projects like Mozambique LNG can deliver tangible benefits, empower communities and help eradicate energy poverty across the continent.
It is time for Governments to also bring stability and policy security to regions needing developments such as these. This is a clear example where SADEC and the African Union are also failing the continent. The violence in Northern Mozambique could have been dealt with by a joint military operation that could have cleared the insurgents out of the area to safeguard such a regionally important development. Lessons abound but African Leaders need to take heed of these developments and adopt better policies and enforcement of policies.
In an update on Wednesday 3 December 2025, TotalEnergies announced that it had managed to secure additional capital funding from the other existing partners to continue with the project. Mozambique LNG partners are now TotalEnergies (26.5%), Japan’s Mitsui (20%), Mozambique’s state-owned ENH (15%), Bharat Petroleum (10%), Oil India (10%), ONGC Videsh (10%) and Thailand’s PTTEP (8.5%).
