Standard Bank and the Mozambique Oil and Gas Chamber signed a memorandum of understanding in Maputo this week to support micro, small and medium‑sized enterprises across Mozambique’s energy value chain.

The partnership will combine business capacity‑building, access to finance and connections with major operators to help local firms compete for contracts as multi‑billion‑dollar LNG projects advance toward commissioning.

The African Energy Chamber described the deal as a vital step toward strengthening domestic participation in the sector.

Florival Mucave, president of the Mozambique Oil and Gas Chamber, said the MoU seeks to ensure Mozambican companies are aware of emerging supply‑chain opportunities and are better prepared to meet them.

Financing is a core focus: a 2024 MozUp study cited by Mucave found only 27 % of surveyed suppliers had bank loans, while 84 % relied on informal financing that covered roughly half of their needs.

The MoU will link SMEs directly to financiers and provide broader support, including training and business preparation, to address the financing gap identified in the study.

NJ Ayuk, executive chairman of the African Energy Chamber, said the partnership demonstrates the kind of collaboration Africa needs to turn large energy investments into tangible opportunities for local businesses.