The Government of Mozambique aims to ensure that at least 30% of the mineral resources produced in the country are processed domestically by 2030, as part of a comprehensive proposal to revise the laws governing the mining, petroleum, and energy sectors. The announcement was made by Maria Marcelina Joel, Director of Planning and Cooperation at the Ministry of Mineral Resources and Energy, during the panel on legislation and local content held on Thursday (May 8), on the second day of the 11th Mozambique Mining and Energy Conference and Exhibition (MMEC 2025).
According to the official, the current legal framework—effective since 2014—no longer aligns with the evolving dynamics of the extractive industry or with Mozambique’s sustainable development commitments. The government’s proposal aims to strengthen industrialization, attract investment, and ensure that a significant portion of the value chain is developed within the country.
“We are introducing legal provisions that mandate a certain percentage of produced resources to be processed in Mozambique. This measure is intended to generate more jobs, retain economic value, and stimulate the development of national processing industries,” stated Maria Marcelina Joel.
The revision of the Mining Law also provides that, in the case of strategic minerals, the participation of national companies selected by the State will be mandatory, as well as the partial or full processing of these resources within Mozambican territory.
Alongside the proposed changes to mining legislation, the Government is also revising the Petroleum Law, introducing new provisions related to infrastructure, transportation, and domestic use of natural gas. One of the most significant changes will be the requirement to allocate part of the condensate gas to the domestic market, instead of exporting it entirely in its raw form.
“We are working to ensure that gas is used for the production of fertilizers and other derivatives. Unlike other minerals, gas requires specific and continuous projects that allow for its immediate and strategic utilization,” she said.
The Ministry representative also stated that these legal reforms are being discussed internally, in a process that includes public consultations and dialogue with the industry, acknowledging that the effectiveness of the new laws will also depend on their enforceability and acceptance by stakeholders.
“This is not just about imposing rules, but about aligning legislation with the State’s objectives and the capabilities of the private sector. We are listening to all stakeholders, without compromising the State’s legislative sovereignty,” she said.
As part of the implementation plan, the Government also aims to train more Mozambican professionals to meet the technical demands of the mining and energy sectors. Since 2014, the Ministry has been establishing agreements with companies for the national and international training of young Mozambicans in key areas for industrialization.
“We want the future opportunities generated by these reforms to benefit both men and women, through skilled employment and genuine capacity to lead the national sector,” she concluded.
The panel featured international experts who shared examples of successful legal reforms in other African countries, highlighting cases where robust legal frameworks led to measurable economic and social benefits for local populations.
The event brings together government representatives, business leaders, academics, regulators, and international development partners. Key topics under discussion include attracting financing for energy infrastructure, adding local value to minerals, the role of energy in agriculture and tourism, and the development of cross-border industrial corridors.
