Gas from Africa - Europe’s search for new suppliers | DW Documentary

The gas platform is located above a coral reef known as Schatara, a forbidden area for fishermen, and the presence of coast guards from Senegal poses a risk for these illegal fishing activities. Africa holds vast fuel resources similar in area to the US, making it important for Europe, particularly following the Russian invasion of Ukraine which necessitated reducing dependency on single suppliers. This sparked discussions on whether local populations benefit from extracted resources.

Hizidine Acha, a television reporter, explores how the discovery of fuel deposits in Mozambique altered his career. Initially dismissive of the resource discovery, he later recognizes the significant changes in Cabo Delgado, the poorest province in Mozambique, which he reports on without bias towards government or citizens, prioritizing truth and justice.

The town of Pemba in Cabo Delgado, once quiet, transforms rapidly following the fuel discovery, with foreign engineers arriving and local fishermen affected. Companies like Anadarko initiate contracts with the government to exploit fuel, leading to a surge of jobs and investments, although much of the wealth is collected by foreign investors who buy up local land for luxury developments.

By 2013, optimism fills Pemba with new hotels and businesses opening to cater to incoming investments. However, while some locals begin businesses, the benefits do not reach all, and much of the investment comes from outside, leading to visible signs of wealth amidst persistent local poverty and the dislocation of existing communities.

The Pemba Express Hotel aims to house business travelers related to the fuel industry rather than tourists, showcasing a shift in Pemba's economic landscape. Although local business owners capitalize on new opportunities, many remain frustrated as not all see the prosperity promised due to the uneven nature of development and investment.

As Senegal begins to explore its fuel resources, there are concerns about how this may affect local fisheries and communities. Dr. Karamba Diaby discusses the challenges and potential for growth, recognizing the need for equitable energy policies that could transform the local economy if managed correctly. However, he warns that without careful oversight, these opportunities could become burdens.

Local fishermen express anger towards the offshore platform disrupting their livelihood with diminished fish stocks. They lament the construction of the platform without their consultation and maintain that it offers no tangible benefits to their community, leading to unpredictable impacts on their fishing traditions and sustainability.

Energy needs continue to rise in both Mozambique and Senegal, with promises from companies like BP to compensate local fishermen, though skepticism exists about the efficacy of such initiatives. Many fear that without systemic change, resources will only benefit international players rather than local communities.

The documentary reveals ongoing challenges across Mozambique, including rising violence, climate impacts, and the COVID-19 pandemic, which created an environment of instability affecting local livelihoods and protests against exploitation, emphasizing the importance of supporting local populations in the transformations brought by energy resource exploration.