Inhassoro: 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. Speaking at the ceremony on the margins of the 4th Mozambique-South Africa Bi-National Commission on Wednesday, President Ramaphosa said the facility represents years of joint exploration, investment and operational work to unlock Mozambique's onshore hydrocarbon resources.
According to South African Government News Agency, the President emphasized that the facility is a symbol of the longstanding energy cooperation between the two countries. He commended the government of Mozambique and Sasol for realizing a project that is vital to their shared energy security. The plant forms part of the Production Sharing Agreement project, which will supply gas, light oil, and cooking gas into the domestic market while also supporting power generation and downstream industries.
President Ramaphosa highlighted the centrality of gas trade in strengthening regional economic infrastructure, especially as the Pande and Temane reserves approach depletion. He urged governments and private sector partners to be innovative and explore alternative sources, calling for joint investment in infrastructure, regulatory alignment, and increased regional demand to attract upstream investment.
The President noted that the facility is not only an energy asset but also an economic catalyst for the surrounding communities. Local businesses in sectors such as transport, catering, maintenance, and services are expected to benefit, alongside direct employment and training opportunities. He expressed encouragement over plans to develop a pipeline of vocational and skills transfer programs targeted at women and young people, which places people at the center of development.
Furthermore, President Ramaphosa welcomed Sasol's commitment to high environmental, social, and governance standards, noting planned efforts to reduce environmental impact, manage waste responsibly, and mitigate risks to air, land, and water. He stressed the importance of ensuring that ventures like this transform the fortunes of the communities in which they operate, as part of the collective effort to overcome hunger, poverty, and unemployment.
He acknowledged the 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. President Ramaphosa concluded by highlighting the continued strength of the historic relationship between South Africa and Mozambique in the energy sector, which is paving a new path of sustainable development and progress. He expressed optimism about the partnership's potential to promote and secure energy security amid an uncertain international economic environment.