Mozambique was classified among the ten least attractive jurisdictions in the world for investment in the mining sector, according to the Annual Survey of Mining Companies 2025 published by the Fraser Institute, a leading Canadian think tank specializing in public policy and natural resource economics, reported on Wednesday, July 20, by the news portal Engineering News.
The country ranks near the bottom of the Investment Attractiveness Index, joining a group that also includes Ethiopia (which ranked last), Suriname, Niger, Madagascar, Bolivia, the Dominican Republic, Guinea (Conakry), Nova Scotia (Canada), and the U.S. state of Minnesota.
According to the report, Africa was the worst-performing region globally, with five jurisdictions among the ten least competitive for mining investment. Latin America followed with three jurisdictions on the list, alongside Canada and the United States. The Fraser Institute study, based on surveys conducted with mining and exploration executives in 82 jurisdictions, assesses not only the geological potential of each region but also factors such as political stability, legal security, regulatory predictability, and fiscal policies. The report is widely used by international investors as a strategic reference in the extractive sector.
Decline in International Perception
Mozambique’s position at the bottom of the ranking reflects a combination of factors that undermine investor confidence, including regulatory uncertainties, land disputes, logistical challenges, and security risks. Although the country has vast mineral resources and potential for large-scale projects, the international perception points to a still fragile and unpredictable political and institutional environment.
According to the report, “a strong and predictable regulatory regime, coupled with competitive fiscal policies, makes a jurisdiction attractive to investors.” However, in Mozambique’s case, concerns over duplicated administrative processes, inconsistency in applying legislation, and limited institutional capacity continue to deter potential investments.
Elmira Aliakbari, director of the Fraser Institute’s Centre for Natural Resource Studies, stated that “policy makers must understand that the mere existence of mineral deposits is not enough to attract investment. Stability of the rules of the game and respect for contracts are crucial elements to improve the country’s international reputation in this sector.”
Source: Diário Económico
