Prime Minister Benvinda Levi has called for the harnessing of Mozambique’s tourism potential through the development of ventures that add value, generate wealth, and create more jobs for young people.
“We want opportunities to be capitalized on through ventures that add value, generate wealth, and create jobs, especially in areas with high tourism potential, promoting balanced, sustainable, and inclusive development of our country,” said the Prime Minister, quoted by Lusa.
Speaking at the opening of the African Forum on Diplomacy and Tourism (ADTIF), Levi explained that the country’s assets, which include its strategic location and gastronomy, are “unique advantages” to be taken into account, highlighting that five main tourist destinations with the potential to attract greater foreign investment have been identified.
“The provinces of Maputo, Inhambane, Sofala, Cabo Delgado, and Niassa have areas which, due to their location, attractions, and available tourism products, can in a short period of time contribute to increased competitiveness and growth of tourism investment,” she emphasized.
The Prime Minister encouraged both national and foreign entrepreneurs to invest in and expand their businesses in the country’s tourism industry, with emphasis on infrastructure, clean energy, vocational training schools in hospitality and tourism, internal and regional connectivity, among others.
“As a Government, we renew our interest and determination to continue improving the business and investment environment, particularly regarding the simplification of administrative procedures, the strengthening of the legal and regulatory framework, the promotion of accessible financing mechanisms, and the creation of specific incentives for investment in tourism and related areas,” she stressed.
Budget execution data from January to December 2024 shows that 208 tourism sector ventures began operating in Mozambique last year, despite a decline in the sector due to post-election tensions felt across the country.
“In the tourism sector, 208 ventures began operating, of which 68 were accommodation units,” reads the document prepared by the Ministry of Finance. The Government’s report also points to 108 food and beverage establishments and 32 travel agencies, adding that, to “improve service delivery in hospitality and tourism,” 1,231 professionals were trained in operational areas.
In addition, to “increase the emergence of micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises” in the sector, the State financed six projects worth 5.5 million meticais in the provinces of Zambézia, Tete, and Gaza, as well as in the city of Maputo. This investment was made mainly in the first three quarters of 2024, followed by a period of intense social unrest after the general elections of October 9.
By the end of December, Mozambican entrepreneurs estimated that tourism had lost at least 500 million meticais due to the cancellation of bookings during the post-election protests over Christmas and New Year.
“It is estimated at nearly 500 million meticais because it happened right in the peak tourism season in Mozambique – summer and the festive season,” said Muhammad Abdullah, head of the Department of Hospitality, Catering, and Tourism at the Confederation of Economic Associations (CTA).
Source: Diário Económico
