Mozambique
Key facts
- One of Africa’s fastest growing economies
- Politically stable since the end of civil war in 1992
- Considered successful example of post-conflict reconciliation
- President re-elected in democratic elections in October 2009
- Key mining sector ministers reappointed for further five years
- High inflows of Foreign Direct Investment
- Strong commercial links with South Africa as its main trading partner
- Strong resource development and investment track record
The Republic of Mozambique, known commonly as Mozambique, is a former Portuguese colony which gained independence in 1975. Emigration, civil war, natural catastrophes and dependence on the neighbouring economy of South Africa negatively impacted the economy until the mid 1990s. The first democratic elections took place in 1994 following the Rome Peace Treaty of 1992, which ended 16 years of civil war and signalled political stability that remains to this day. President Joaquim Alberto Chissano won the 1994 and 1999 elections, transitioning Mozambique from a socialist to a democratic state. In February 2005, the elected President Armando Emílio Guebuza took office for his first five-year term. In October 2009, he was re-elected after receiving a strong majority of the public vote. Key ministers for the mining sector, including the Minister for Mines, Minister for the Environment and Minister for Transport were all re-appointed for another five years.
Mozambique is one of Africa’s fastest growing economies, mainly driven by post-conflict reconstruction, achieving an average annual real GDP growth rate of 8.8% between 1996 and 2008. According to the IMF, annual real GDP growth in Mozambique is expected to be in excess of 5% for each year until at least 2014. The economy in 2009 has been estimated by the CIA as being divided into 45% service sector, 31% Industry and 24% agriculture. The industrial production growth rate is 5.2%.
Mozambique has resources of coal, titanium, natural gas, tantalum and graphite. Examples of resource development in the country include Vale’s US$1.3 billion Moatize coal project, Riversdale’s US$260 million Benga coal project, BHP Billiton Ltd’s US$2 billion Mozal aluminium smelter, Kenmare Resources PLC’s US$500 million Moma titanium minerals mine and Sasol Ltd’s US$1.2 billion gas pipeline project. In addition, the government has supported the development of the Cahora Bassa Dam, a substantial hydro-power facility, which is a source of energy for Mozambique and neighbouring countries, including South Africa and Zimbabwe.
Mozambique has 4,787 kilometres of railway lines, all narrow gauge, and a total of 30,400km of roadways, of which less than 6,000 km are paved. The country has three ports, Beira, Maputo and Nacala. The largest export partner is the Netherlands at over 55%, with South Africa approximately 10% and Zimbabwe 2%.
Mozambique covers an area of 801,590 km2 and borders South Africa, Swaziland, Tanzania, Malawi, Zambia and Zimbabwe. The climate is tropical to subtropical with coastal lowlands, plateaus in the northwest and mountains in the west. The highest point is Monte Binga at 2,436m, and the lowest point is the coast along the Indian Ocean. The estimated population is approximately 21.7 million, of which 9.8 million are in the labour force.
Map of Mozambique. The city of Tete as well as port cities of Beira and Nacala are circled in the image below.
Source: Based on MINUSTAH GIS and UN Cartographic Section (emphasis added to project region and port locations)