The government has allocated around 18 million dollars (1.1 billion meticals) from mining and oil revenues to community development over the course of 2024. According to recently released official figures, the total amount transferred totalled 19.8 million dollars (1.2 billion meticals), which was fully distributed between provinces and districts to fund structuring projects and initiatives to directly support local communities.
Of this amount, 14.3 million dollars (904.8 million meticals) was earmarked for projects with a regional impact and 5.4 million dollars (341.7 million meticals) was used to fund interventions in the communities themselves.
The measure follows the regulation established in 2023, which stipulates that 10% of tax revenues from mining and oil production be channelled into development actions, distributing 7.25% to provinces and districts and 2.75% to communities directly affected by the exploitation of natural resources.
Among the provinces that benefited most, Manica received 4.4 million dollars (278.4 million meticals), followed by Zambézia, with 2.9 million dollars (183.5 million meticals), and Cabo Delgado, which got 2.6 million dollars (164.5 million meticals).
At district level, the community of Nyamanhumbir, in the district of Montepuez, was the most favoured, receiving 360,000 dollars (22.8 million meticals) from ruby mining in the region. The community of Benga, in the district of Moatize, benefited from 195,000 dollars (12.3 million meticals) from coal mining in the province of Tete.
The funds were invested in priority areas for community development, including education, health, agriculture, infrastructure and productive activities.
The investments made it possible to build and equip classrooms, sanitation units and water supply systems, as well as implementing agricultural irrigation, livestock and fish farming projects. Infrastructures such as roads, bridges and rural electrification networks were also included, promoting significant improvements in mobility and access to essential services.
The distribution of resources obeyed the principles of transparency and community participation, and priorities were defined in coordination with the Local Consultative Councils. The government reiterates that this policy aims to ensure that people living in mining and oil exploration areas can directly benefit from the wealth generated by extractive activities, reducing inequalities and promoting more inclusive development.
The government’s expectation is that these investments will help strengthen the local economy, create job opportunities and improve the living conditions of the communities that benefit from them.
