ROMPCO

ROMPCO: A Catalyst for Regional Gas Development

As Southern Africa seeks to diversify its energy mix and leverage its natural gas resources, cross-border infrastructure plays a crucial role in regional development. The Republic of Mozambique Pipeline Investments Company (ROMPCO) stands at the forefront of this transition, operating a vital artery that connects Mozambique’s gas fields to industrial markets in Mozambique and South Africa. Since its inception, ROMPCO has not only facilitated the monetization of previously stranded gas assets but has also become a cornerstone of energy cooperation between the two countries.

Address

Mozambique and South Africa

Incorporation Date

2000

Employees

30

Business/Services

ROMPCO operates as a gas transmission company, managing the 865km Mozambique Secunda Pipeline (MSP) to transport natural gas from Mozambique’s Pande and Temane fields to markets in Mozambique and South Africa. The pipeline has a capacity of 212 petajoules per annum (PJ/a) but could grow to approximately 400 PJ/a with additional loop lines and compression infrastructure.

Value Proposition

"From an infrastructure point of view, we are strategically located between several supply and demand hubs in Southern Africa with significant capacity to grow."

-Mlandzeni Boyce, CEO

Company History and Expertise

ROMPCO was established in 2000 as a joint venture to address the challenge of monetizing Mozambique’s Pande and Temane gas fields, which were considered stranded assets at the time. The company’s formation brought together Sasol, the South African government (through iGas), and the Mozambican government (through Companhia Moçambicana de Gasoduto, CMG).

Construction of the 865-kilometer Mozambique-Secunda Pipeline began in 2002, and by 2004, ROMPCO commenced operations. For over two decades, it has transported natural gas across borders under agreements between the Mozambican and South African governments.

Initially, ROMPCO was 100% owned by Sasol, and subsequently iGas and CMG exercised their options to purchase shares in ROMPCO and each held 25% stake by 2006. However, by 2021, the ownership structure evolved to reflect a more balanced partnership, with state-owned iGas and CMG each holding 40% of the company and Sasol retaining a 20% share.

Over the years, ROMPCOo has expanded its infrastructure to meet growing energy demands in both countries. This includes the addition of loop lines and compressor stations, which have increased pipeline capacity from an initial 126 PJ/a to approximately 212 PJ/a.

Current Projects and Future Strategy

ROMPCO plays a critical role in supporting energy needs in Southern Africa. In Mozambique, it supplies gas to several power stations and to the Matola Gas Company for onward distribution to industries in and around Maputo.

In South Africa, ROMPCO’s pipeline supports industrial growth by supplying natural gas to industry customers, impacting direct and indirect an estimated 300,000 to 400,000 jobs. The pipeline has also been integral in diversifying South Africa’s energy mix, which remains heavily reliant on coal.

Looking ahead, ROMPCO is preparing for future expansions to meet increasing regional demand for natural gas. Studies suggest that pipeline capacity could be doubled to transport up to 400 PJ annually by adding new loop lines and compressor stations.

Additionally, ROMPCO is exploring innovative solutions such as virtual pipelines to capture remote gas hotspots in Northern Mozambique and the rest of the region. These initiatives align with broader regional goals under the Southern African Development Community (SADC) Gas Masterplan, which aims to enhance energy security and foster economic integration.

As Southern Africa transitions toward cleaner energy sources, ROMPCO remains strategically positioned to facilitate this shift. With its established infrastructure and expertise in cross-border gas transmission, ROMPCO is poised to play a pivotal role in meeting the region’s growing energy needs while supporting economic development in both Mozambique and South Africa.

Statistics

Strategic Insights about African Gas

We believe that everyone should have access to comprehensive data on African gas markets. That’s why we are working to compile an Annual Statistical Review: a yearly reference of reliable and up-to-date data and statistics, freely accessible to anyone globally, covering the entire value chain of Africa's gas sector.

Join the movement

Join us in the journey toward sustainable energy for Africa

We are building a community of trailblazing companies and investors who believe in Africa's potential and want to play a role in a major energy transformation of the continent, with the right information, tools, and partners to back them up.

Gas for Africa is about telling the right story and unlocking capital for Africa. This story is about you, the companies and players that have bold visions and need to be backed up by credible financial and technical partners.

By working together, we can bring the best of public and private sector resources towards a common goal of developing energy infrastructure, supporting industrialization, and creating jobs.

Gas for Africa is an initiative brought to you by Hawilti Ltd. When you register your interest in joining us, we will use your details to assess the best ways in which you can benefit and contribute to the initiative.

We will use the personal data you provide to assess your profile and make recommendations on how you can best join the programme. As part of that, we will check your details against information already in the public domain (for example, on LinkedIn or your company’s website). We will also use your personal data to contact you about your registration of interest, as well as to build a better understanding of our audience and to improve our offering.

For further details, please consult our privacy policy.

TOGETHER, WE CAN ILLUMINATE AFRICA'S OPPORTUNITIES