The Mozambican government has approved a strategy to develop business tourism in the country through to 2030, projecting annual revenues of US$106 million through the hosting of 38 international conferences, congresses, and other professional events.
The Mozambique Business Tourism Strategy for 2026–2030, designated under the MICE framework — Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Exhibitions — was approved on Tuesday by the Council of Ministers. The strategy aims to position Mozambique in one of the most lucrative segments of the global tourism industry.
Council of Ministers spokesperson Inocêncio Impissa explained that the strategy is oriented towards meetings, incentive travel, conferences, trade fairs, and other professional events, which are regarded as an important driver of economic growth and development.
Impissa stated that international indicators show business tourism is currently one of the highest value-added segments of the tourism industry, justifying the government's focus on attracting international events to the country.
"The role of the government is to create the conditions for events — whether public or private — to take place," he said.
According to Impissa, projections point to a MICE market in Mozambique exceeding US$900 million, with sustained growth through to 2030.
"In that same year, the country is expected to generate approximately US$106 million as a result of hosting 38 conferences, congresses, and incentive meetings," he said.
The government regards one of the key advantages of business tourism as the higher spending levels of business visitors, which can be between two and four times greater than those of leisure tourists. The lower dependence on seasonality is also expected to contribute to more balanced hotel occupancy throughout the year.
"Every major event generates revenue for hotels, transport, restaurants, commerce, and specialised services," Impissa said.
The spokesperson added that the strategy should also support the attraction of foreign direct investment, create new opportunities for domestic companies, and promote innovation, technology transfer, and scientific and business cooperation.
The government further estimates that the implementation of the strategy will contribute to the creation of skilled employment and the strengthening of tourism-related value chains, at a time when tourist arrivals in Mozambique rose to 1.27 million in 2025, representing growth of nearly 15% compared to the previous year.
Data previously released by Economy Minister Basílio Muhate showed that the number of foreign tourists staying in hotel establishments more than tripled between 2020 and 2024, rising from 216,297 to 757,458. That period coincided with the introduction of visa exemptions for citizens of 29 countries.
By contrast, the number of domestic guests declined by 18%, falling from 1.34 million in 2020 to 1.1 million in 2024.
Source: Diário Económico
Original article: https://www.diarioeconomico.co.mz/?p=527057
