This Law approves a new Petroleum Law for Mozambique with the objective of modernising the legal framework governing petroleum operations in light of economic, technological and industry developments. The Law reaffirms State ownership of petroleum resources and establishes the regime for granting rights to undertake petroleum operations, while promoting national participation, economic sovereignty, energy security, transparency, environmental sustainability and value addition within the country. It introduces provisions designed to strengthen the role of the State and the national hydrocarbons company (ENH), increase participation by Mozambican enterprises and workers throughout the petroleum value chain, ensure benefits for local communities, and regulate emerging activities such as carbon capture, utilisation and storage (CCUS). It also provides for domestic market obligations, requiring a portion of petroleum and natural gas production to support national industrialisation and economic development. The Law establishes comprehensive rules governing petroleum concessions, production-sharing and service contracts, State participation in petroleum projects, regulatory oversight by the National Petroleum Institute (INP), environmental protection, local content, community consultation and compensation for affected populations. It strengthens requirements relating to transparency, publication of contracts, environmental management, social responsibility, human rights, local employment and procurement. The legislation further sets out mechanisms for licensing, supervision, infrastructure development, decommissioning, dispute resolution and sanctions for non-compliance, while ensuring that petroleum resources are managed in a manner that supports sustainable development, protects national interests and secures long-term benefits for present and future generations.
Mozambique · 2026-06-03