The government argued on Wednesday (May 6) in Maputo for greater private sector involvement in building infrastructure that enables local processing of mineral resources, as a way to increase value addition in the country and reduce raw material exports.
The position was presented by the Minister of Mineral Resources and Energy, Estêvão Pale, during a panel at the Mozambique Mining and Energy Conference and Exhibition 2026, focused on leveraging natural resources to promote economic diversification, inclusive growth, and regional integration.
According to the minister, Mozambique has strategic mineral resources such as graphite, but continues to face limitations in energy, roads, and access to key ports — factors considered essential for enabling domestic processing and exporting higher-value products.
“We have graphite and we would like it to be fully processed in the country. We still face difficulties in ensuring the necessary infrastructure to move to the next stage of processing,” he said.
Pale explained that creating logistical and energy conditions requires stronger private sector participation, particularly in investments related to access roads, ports, and industrial infrastructure. “When we talk about industrial minerals, road infrastructure and access to key ports must be considered. We need the private sector to also participate in these projects,” he added.
The minister also stressed that legislation plays a key role in promoting local processing, advocating for gradual policies that encourage investors to process minerals within national territory.
At the regional level, he called for greater coordination among Southern African countries to ensure the sustainable use of mineral and energy resources, avoiding excessive export of raw materials.
“We need to ensure that our resources are fully valorised, so that we do not continue exporting only raw materials,” he said.
MMEC 2026 takes place on May 6–7 in Maputo, bringing together government officials, investors, mining and energy companies, financial institutions, and national and international experts to discuss mining, energy, industrialisation, and regional integration.
Text: Felisberto Ruco
