The South African multinational Sasol has officially launched a new cycle of Local Development Agreements (LDA-II) in Govuro district, Inhambane province, reinforcing its commitment to community development in the areas where it operates. This new cycle, running from 2025 to 2030, foresees a total investment of about 2.7 billion meticais (approximately 43 million US dollars) to be allocated to social programs in the districts of Govuro, Inhassoro, and Vilankulo.
According to an official company statement, the signing ceremony took place on Friday, May 30, in the locality of Maluvane, and was attended by community representatives, local government officials, and Sasol executives, symbolizing the strengthening of a partnership based on inclusion, ongoing dialogue, and shared responsibility.
This new financing package is double the amount of the previous phase, which between 2020 and 2025 involved around 1.2 billion meticais (about 20 million US dollars) and benefited 37 communities. The second phase of the LDA now covers 70 communities, nearly twice the previous coverage, with an approach focused on active community participation in identifying and prioritizing projects.
During the event, Arnaldo Tingane, community leader and host of the ceremony, emphasized the visible impact of the collaboration:
“Today we renew our people’s hope. The results of the first cycle were tangible. These agreements are the result of collective effort and a careful listening to the real needs of the communities.”
Meanwhile, Ovídio Rodolfo, Sasol’s Vice President for Mozambique, highlighted the scope of the new phase:
“This is not just a continuation. LDA-II represents the reaffirmation of a long-term partnership with these communities. Over the last five years, we’ve supported sectors such as education, health, water and sanitation, energy access, agriculture, and income generation. Now, with a larger investment, we extend our reach to Vilankulo.”
Local authorities praised the initiative as exemplary. Francisco Pagula, Governor of Inhambane province, described the agreements as “a model of inclusive development based on transparent cooperation between the State, the private sector, and communities.”
Bendita Lopes, the Secretary of State for the province, emphasized the moral value of the initiative:
“These commitments are not just financial. They are social and ethical obligations. The Government will closely monitor implementation to ensure communities truly benefit.”
Structured as a tripartite model—involving communities, government authorities, and the company—the LDA-II program is aligned with Mozambique’s National Policy on Corporate Social Responsibility in the Extractive Industry, approved by Resolution No. 21/2014, dated May 16.
Source: Diário Económico