The governor of Inhambane province, Francisco Pagule, on Tuesday (22) reaffirmed his commitment to turning tourism and culture into drivers of economic and social development. During the swearing-in ceremony of the provincial governors, Pagule highlighted the need to establish strategic partnerships, including negotiations with the multinational Sasol, in order to maximise the benefits for the local population, according to the newspaper O País.
Pagule emphasised that tourism, one of Inhambane’s most dynamic sectors, has the potential not only to attract visitors, but also to generate jobs and income.
‘We have five years of great challenges, but these are challenges that must be transformed into opportunities to better serve the population of Inhambane. We have a province that is already a benchmark in tourism, and we will do everything we can to ensure that it continues to be what it is today. The best way to do this is to turn tourism into opportunities for employment and income,’ he said.
The governor also emphasised the importance of integrating local culture into tourism development, exploiting Inhambane’s historical sites and their potential to attract visitors. ‘It is necessary to combine cultural wealth with tourism offers, promoting unique experiences that highlight the identity of our province and create new business opportunities,’ he said.
In addition to tourism and culture, Pagule pointed to the fundamental role of Sasol, the multinational operating in Inhambane. The governor emphasised the need to negotiate with the company to ensure that its investments result in direct benefits for the population.
‘Sasol has a significant presence in the province, and it is crucial that its operations are reflected in visible improvements for citizens, whether through jobs, training or local development projects,’ said Pagule.
The governor concluded his speech by emphasising that, although the challenges are many, cooperation between the government, the private sector and local communities will be essential to achieve the objectives set.
‘Inhambane’s development depends on working together, making the most of our potential and ensuring that the benefits reach everyone. This is our commitment for the next five years,’ he finalised.
