- TotalEnergies Africa chief Mike Sangster calls for African countries to control their energy policies and develop resources according to national priorities.
- The company highlights major investments in Mozambique, Namibia, Uganda and South Africa, emphasising electricity access, job creation and renewable energy.
Sangster Calls for African Energy Independence
TotalEnergies Senior Vice President for Africa, Mike Sangster, has urged African countries to shape their energy futures according to their national priorities. Speaking at the opening ceremony of African Energy Week (AEW) 2026 in Cape Town, South Africa, he stressed the importance of energy sovereignty, investment certainty and electricity access.
Sangster highlighted Africa’s natural resources and human capital as major drivers of economic growth. He argued that countries should determine how they develop oil, gas, solar and hydropower resources to meet domestic needs.
“I have never been more convinced that Africa is rich. And that wealth starts with its people,” Sangster said.
He added, “Every country must be free to shape its energy policy and develop its resources. This is a conviction we share at TotalEnergies.”
Electricity Access Remains a Priority
Sangster noted that approximately 550 million Africans still lack access to electricity. He described energy as essential for education, healthcare, employment and improved living standards.
He also highlighted Mission 300, an initiative that aims to connect 300 million Africans to electricity by 2030. More than 50 million people have gained access since 2024, according to the figures cited in his address.
TotalEnergies participates in the initiative’s Private Sector Council and plans to support further progress. Sangster stressed that governments and investors must work together to expand electricity access.
He also called for predictable regulations, stable fiscal frameworks and improved access to capital. These conditions, he said, would encourage investors to commit funding to energy projects that often take decades to develop.
Mozambique LNG Project Promises Economic Benefits
Sangster identified Mozambique LNG as a major part of TotalEnergies’ African investment strategy. The project’s full restart represents an important milestone for Mozambique’s ambition to become a major liquefied natural gas exporter.
The project holds up to 65 trillion cubic feet of recoverable gas resources. Sangster said it had trained more than 4,000 local workers and created thousands of jobs.
He also projected approximately $35 billion in government revenues over the project’s lifetime. Partnerships with Mozambican authorities and local communities will play a key role in delivering these benefits.
Namibia and Uganda Attract Energy Investment
Sangster highlighted Namibia’s offshore Venus and Mopane discoveries and further exploration opportunities in the Orange Basin. He said TotalEnergies remained committed to working with government authorities and project partners towards final investment decisions.
Developing these discoveries could create jobs, stimulate infrastructure investment and generate government revenue. Namibia’s offshore resources have also attracted growing international attention.
In Uganda, Sangster pointed to the Tilenga and Kingfisher oil developments and the East African Crude Oil Pipeline linking Uganda to Tanzania. Figures presented during his address indicated that construction activities were creating approximately 90,000 direct and indirect jobs.
The projects have also generated about $2 billion in spending with local companies. Meanwhile, more than 200 young Ugandans are enrolled in the Tilenga Academy’s training programme to prepare for technical and operational roles.
Sangster said these investments could strengthen local businesses, develop technical skills and create opportunities for younger generations. He also highlighted efforts to reduce project emissions.
South Africa Highlights Renewable Energy Strategy
Sangster cited TotalEnergies’ activities in South Africa as an example of its multi-energy approach. The company operates across oil and gas exploration, fuel supply, renewable electricity and battery storage.
He highlighted Hydra, a solar and battery storage project inaugurated in July. Sangster said its expected annual electricity output could match the consumption of approximately 200,000 South African households.
He also called for more efficient permitting processes to accelerate project approvals and investment. Combining renewable generation with battery storage, he argued, could strengthen electricity supply.
TotalEnergies describes its approach as “more energy, less emissions.” The strategy seeks to expand energy availability while reducing the environmental footprint of its projects.
TotalEnergies Calls for Stronger Partnerships
Sangster urged African governments to establish predictable investment conditions and strengthen cooperation with energy companies, financiers and development institutions. He said recent global developments had reinforced the importance of diversified energy supplies and reliable international partnerships.
“Diversification is about building resilience. Security of supply has never been more important,” he said.
He also encouraged participants at African Energy Week to turn discussions into practical agreements, investment decisions and project delivery.
“The momentum is building. Now, let’s make it happen,” Sangster declared.
His remarks placed African energy sovereignty, electricity access and long-term investment at the centre of the continent’s development agenda. TotalEnergies aims to expand its role through projects that develop natural resources, support local economies and increase renewable energy capacity.