Artificial intelligence (AI) can play a central role in transforming Mozambican agriculture, enabling the country to move beyond being merely a supplier of raw materials and competitively integrate into global value chains. This is one of the main conclusions of an analysis conducted by consulting firm Accenture, which highlights the potential of AI to drive inclusive economic growth across Africa, according to Engineering News.
The study, released this week, warns that although Africa — and Mozambique in particular — supplies a significant portion of international markets with agricultural products such as sugarcane, coffee, and cocoa, the added value remains largely concentrated outside the continent, especially in stages such as processing, certification, and marketing. The absence of robust digital systems prevents small producers from accessing high-yield markets, which increasingly demand traceability, sustainability, and transparency.
In the sugar sector, for example, both Mozambique and neighboring South Africa remain relevant exporters but capture little value for small-scale producers. The application of AI-based tools — such as climate risk forecasting models, quality classification algorithms, and digital payment systems — could strengthen their bargaining position and ensure certifications required by major international buyers.
The report also emphasizes the urgency of adopting inclusive solutions that prevent women, youth, and people with disabilities from being excluded from the digital revolution in agriculture. In regions such as the south of the country, where women play a central role in agricultural production, limited access to smartphones and digital literacy continues to be a barrier to full participation in the new digital economy.
Within the Southern African Development Community (SADC) context, the study argues that Mozambique could benefit from regional integration initiatives promoting common certification standards, digital customs, and agricultural data governance. The creation of interoperable systems aligned with the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) is identified as essential to reduce barriers and stimulate intra-African trade.
The analysis also points to significant operational gains from adopting AI in logistics, with productivity in sectors such as transport and port management potentially increasing by up to 30% through predictive maintenance and smart routing technologies. For Mozambique, which relies heavily on agricultural exports and faces recurring infrastructure challenges, these advances could represent a meaningful competitive advantage.
Finally, Accenture emphasizes that true transformation depends not only on technology but also on the creation of solid public policies, ethical data governance frameworks, and continued investment in digital infrastructure. The involvement of the private sector, particularly through financial institutions and fintech companies, will also be crucial to ensure that AI-driven gains reach producers directly rather than remaining concentrated among international intermediaries.
Source: Diário Económico
