Adelino Balate, director of the Project Management Division at the Agency for the Promotion of Investment and Exports (APIEX), called on Chinese investors this Wednesday (15) to expand their businesses in Mozambique, highlighting opportunities in the agriculture, industry, energy, tourism, logistics, and mining sectors. The call was made during the 21st Annual Private Sector Conference (CASP 2026), which began on Tuesday, in a parallel session titled “Business Opportunities between Mozambique and China.”
In his presentation to Chinese business leaders, Adelino Balate highlighted Mozambique’s economic potential, stating that the country possesses underutilized resources and has a strong capacity to attract investment. “Mozambique has approximately 36 million hectares of arable land, of which only 15% is currently being farmed. In addition, it has approximately 2,700 kilometers of coastline, offering investment opportunities in the tourism, fisheries, and blue economy sectors,” he said.
Adelino Balate also noted that Mozambique’s geostrategic position is one of the country’s main competitive advantages. As he explained, the deep-water ports of Maputo, Beira, and Nacala, combined with the logistics corridors connecting Mozambique to the markets of the Southern African Development Community (SADC)—including Zimbabwe, Zambia, and Malawi—reinforce its potential as a regional platform for trade and investment.
The official also emphasized that the legal framework provides favorable conditions for the development of new investments. “In the specific case of special economic zones, we currently have three zones covered by this regime. However, the legal framework also includes other instruments, such as the Public-Private Partnerships Act, the Labor Act, the Trade Act, the Development Act, as well as legislation applicable to the oil and gas sectors. This set of regulations creates the necessary conditions to carry out activities and tap into the full potential of the Mozambican market,” he emphasized.
In addition to the legal framework, Adelino Balate highlighted the tax incentives available to domestic and foreign investors. Among the benefits are exemptions from customs duties and Value-Added Tax (VAT) on the import of equipment and materials for projects, as well as incentives related to accelerated depreciation, vocational training, and the introduction of new technologies.
When discussing economic cooperation between Mozambique and China, the official noted that the two countries have agreements for the reciprocal promotion and protection of investments. “Over the past five years, China has been the leading investor in Mozambique, a period during which projects valued at approximately 18 billion dollars were approved, particularly in the energy, mining, ceramics, and manufacturing sectors,” he said.
According to Adelino Balate, there continue to be ample investment opportunities, particularly in the industrialization of the Mozambican economy. As he explained, the government aims to promote the local processing of raw materials such as cotton, graphite, titanium, and other mineral resources, adding value to products before they are exported.
“APIEX is available to support investors at every stage of the process, from company formation to obtaining licenses and visas, as well as in monitoring projects,” he emphasized, reiterating the call for more Chinese businesspeople to choose Mozambique as an investment destination.
Source: Diário Económico
Original article: https://www.diarioeconomico.co.mz/2026/07/15/negocios/industria/casp-2026-apiex-apela-a-expansao-de-negocios-chineses-em-mocambique/
