The Minister of Agriculture, Environment, and Fisheries, Roberto Albino, stated that Mozambique must reinvent itself and increase local production levels to curb shortages and address the potential negative impacts caused by the xenophobia occurring in South Africa.
South Africa has seen protests and social tensions targeting migrants; earlier this month, an anti-immigration march culminated in attacks on foreign-owned businesses in the Eastern Cape province in the east of the country.
According to the data, Mozambique purchases vehicles and transportation equipment from the South African market, which account for 20% of total imports, followed by processed foods, electrical equipment, agricultural and construction machinery, chemicals, and generic medicines.
Speaking during Radio Mozambique’s “Cartas na Mesa” program, the official called for greater coordination between companies and domestic producers, stressing that the instability in the neighboring country should awaken a sense of patriotism in order to reduce external dependence.
“We must continue to produce food, as we are facing shocks that have an immediate impact. We have the capacity and the will to make Mozambique a self-sufficient and sovereign country when it comes to food,” he stressed.
Mozambique remains South Africa’s largest trading partner in the region and on the continent, with a trade volume exceeding 128 billion meticais ($2 billion) per year. The relationship, underpinned by geographical proximity, historical ties, and mutual economic interests, has been consolidating itself as one of the most strategic in the region.
Last week, African migrants in Pretoria were warned to remain “highly vigilant” during a march against illegal immigration, due to fears of possible outbreaks of xenophobic violence.
South Africa is home to about 2.4 million migrants, just under 4% of the population, according to official data. Most come from neighboring countries such as Lesotho, Zimbabwe, and Mozambique, which have a long history of supplying migrant labor to their more prosperous neighbor.
In addressing xenophobia in South Africa, United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres condemned what he described as “criminal acts perpetrated by individuals who incite violence and exploit socioeconomic conditions.”
In remarks delivered by his spokesperson, Stéphane Dujarric, on Monday, he reminded South Africans that their struggle against apartheid was “sustained by international and African solidarity.”
The United Nations Secretary-General expressed concern over reports of “xenophobic attacks and acts of harassment and intimidation,” warning that “violence, vigilantism, and all forms of hate speech have no place in an inclusive and democratic society.”
