The Chairman of the Board (CEO) of the Maputo Port Development Company (MPDC), Osório Lucas, stated this Thursday (27) the need for legislative reforms and regulatory stability as essential measures for Mozambique’s economic diversification.
During his intervention in the panel on economic diversification and local value at the “Visão M – Millennium bim Economic Conference,” Lucas affirmed that legislative instability has created insecurity for investors, compromising investment attraction and the country’s economic growth.
“It is imperative to have legislative stability, as constant reforms create an environment of uncertainty for those wishing to invest in Mozambique,” said Lucas. According to the MPDC CEO, although several laws are in force, differences in interpretation between operators and the entities responsible for implementing legislative instruments still represent an obstacle to creating a secure and reliable business environment.
“Having constant reforms in a short period is not healthy. An investor, upon arriving in Mozambique, wants to know under what conditions they can operate and should not face a volatile legislative environment,” Lucas stated, suggesting that even with a high tax rate, legal certainty is fundamental to attracting more investment.
In addition to legislative reforms, Lucas proposed that Mozambique move forward with digital integration at its borders to facilitate trade and streamline the export process. He believes that creating a single digital border will be more effective than implementing physical borders, which face political and logistical difficulties. “The country must know how to leverage its privileged geographic location and improve the quality of its services to become more competitive in the regional market,” explained Lucas, highlighting that existing infrastructure should be transformed into value-added services, with digitalization and integration between various institutions being essential for the development of the port sector and exports.
About the Event
The “Visão M – Millennium bim Economic Conference” celebrated the bank’s 30 years of operation, bringing together public and private decision-makers to discuss the country’s economic future. The event was attended by the President of the Republic, Daniel Chapo, banking leaders, and international representatives, reaffirming Millennium bim’s central role in Mozambique’s financial system.
The conference addressed topics such as economic diversification, financial inclusion, and digital transformation, highlighting the importance of collaboration between traditional banking, fintechs, and the government to modernize financial services and stimulate sustainable development in Mozambique.
Millennium bim, majority-controlled by BCP Africa (66.69%), recorded a 48.3% drop in profits in the first half of 2025, falling from MZN 3.2 billion ($49.5 million) in 2024 to MZN 1.7 billion ($25.6 million). Despite the decline, the bank continues to play a key role in Mozambique’s financial sector.
Text: Felisberto Ruco
