The Republic of Congo and Mozambique have signed a hydrocarbons cooperation agreement to strengthen collaboration in oil and natural gas development, as both countries seek to expand energy investment, boost production and capture greater economic value from their petroleum resources.
The agreement was among approximately 10 legal instruments signed in Brazzaville during an official visit by Mozambican President Daniel Chapo, who held talks with Congolese President Denis Sassou-Nguesso. The agreements followed a session of the countries’ Joint Grand Commission for Cooperation, which resumed its activities after an extended period of inactivity.
The hydrocarbons pact provides a framework for collaboration between two countries with different energy priorities. Congo has a long-established oil industry, while Mozambique is positioning itself as a major natural gas producer through the development of its substantial offshore reserves in the Rovuma Basin.
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Objective
For Congo, the partnership comes as the government seeks to increase oil production, improve the domestic value derived from its petroleum resources and reduce reliance on imported refined fuels. The country has set a target of raising crude oil output to 500,000 barrels per day by 2030 while pursuing efforts to reduce fuel imports.
Mozambique, meanwhile, is looking to translate its natural gas resources into investment, government revenue and broader economic development. Speaking at the opening of the 61st Maputo International Fair (FACIM 2026), President Chapo estimated that gas projects could attract between US $50bn billion and US $60bn in investment over the next five to 10 years.
The anticipated investments are expected to be driven largely by major projects involving Eni, TotalEnergies and ExxonMobil in the Rovuma Basin. The development of these resources could strengthen Mozambique’s position in the global liquefied natural gas market while creating opportunities for infrastructure development and related industries.
Chapo also encouraged Congolese companies to explore investment opportunities in Mozambique, particularly in infrastructure, logistics, agriculture and tourism. The appeal reflects Maputo’s broader strategy to attract foreign capital and build partnerships that extend beyond the energy industry.
The agreements cover several other areas, including agriculture, tourism, higher education, maritime affairs and forest resource protection. Together, the arrangements establish a broader framework for cooperation between the two governments. Despite the potential for closer economic ties, trade between the countries remains relatively small. Data from the Observatory of Economic Complexity indicate that bilateral trade amounted to approximately US $20M in 2024, with exchanges including electricity, machinery, packaged medicines, cosmetics and cleaning products.
The limited trade volume highlights the gap between the economic opportunities identified by the two governments and the current level of commercial activity. Although the new agreements could open avenues for investment and business partnerships, their eventual economic impact will depend on the implementation of specific projects and the expansion of trade.
Sassou-Nguesso stressed the importance of turning the commitments into practical results, urging officials to ensure the agreements are implemented rather than left unused. His remarks underline the central challenge facing the partnership: converting diplomatic commitments into investment, commercial activity and measurable economic benefits for both countries.
