President Cyril Ramaphosa has welcomed the launch of Sasol’s new Integrated Processing Facility in Inhassoro, Mozambique, describing it as a milestone in South Africa–Mozambique energy cooperation and a model for regional development.
The launch of Sasol’s new Integrated Processing Facility in Inhassoro signals a new source of gas for industrial and domestic use in South Africa and Mozambique.
Speaking at the ceremony on the margins of the 4th Mozambique–South Africa Bi-National Commission on 3 December, President Ramaphosa said the facility represents years of joint exploration, investment and operational work to unlock Mozambique’s onshore hydrocarbon resources.
“This groundbreaking facility is a symbol of the longstanding energy cooperation between our two countries. We commend the government of Mozambique and Sasol for the realisation of a project that is vital to our shared energy security,” the president said.
The plant forms part of the Production Sharing Agreement project, which will supply gas, light oil and cooking gas into the domestic market as well as supporting power generation and downstream industries.
Ramaphosa said the gas trade is central to strengthening regional economic infrastructure, especially as the Pande and Temane reserves approach depletion. Governments and private sector partners will need to explore alternative sources, he said, calling for joint investment in infrastructure, regulatory alignment and increased regional demand to attract upstream investment.
The president emphasised that as well as being an energy asset, the facility is an economic catalyst for the surrounding communities. Local businesses in transport, catering, maintenance and services are expected to benefit, and there will be opportunities for direct employment and training.
“It is encouraging that there are plans to develop a pipeline of vocational and skills transfer programmes targeted at women and young people. This development approach places people at the centre,” he noted.
Ramaphosa also welcomed Sasol’s commitment to environmental, social and governance standards, noting planned efforts to reduce environmental impact, manage waste responsibly and mitigate risks to air, land and water.
“As we work collectively to overcome hunger, poverty and unemployment, we must ensure that no one is left behind. Ventures of this nature must transform the fortunes of the communities in which they operate,” he said.
He praised engineers, contractors and workers from both countries for delivering the project, and thanked provincial leaders, the mayor of Inhassoro and traditional authorities for their support.
Ramaphosa added that cooperation between South Africa and Mozambique in the energy sector continues to demonstrate the strength of their historic relationship. “Our two nations, which share a long tradition of solidarity, cooperation and mutual respect, are now on a new path of sustainable development and progress. This spirit of our partnership bodes well for our collective efforts to promote energy security in an extremely uncertain international economic environment,” he said.
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