On Monday, September 22, President Daniel Chapo met in New York with a group of U.S. business leaders, inviting them to invest in Mozambique. The head of state presented the country as an emerging hub of development in Africa, highlighting its significant potential in the energy, tourism, agriculture, and infrastructure sectors.
During his speech at the 41st Annual Gala of the Africa-America Institute—a platform promoting dialogue between African and U.S. leaders in education, business, and cooperation—Chapo stated that “Mozambique is open for business and offers a favorable environment for foreign investment, supported by ongoing reforms in the legal and institutional framework.”
The President emphasized the country’s tourism potential, noting that “over 2,000 kilometers of coastline, paradisiacal islands, and the beauty of the city of Beira make Mozambique a prime destination in Africa.” He described tourism as an opportunity capable of attracting capital and fostering sustainable development.
In the energy sector, he highlighted natural gas (LNG) projects led by multinationals such as Exxon, ENI, and TotalEnergies. According to Chapo, these initiatives will position Mozambique as a “strategic energy supplier” for the Southern African Development Community (SADC) region.
“Our goal is to transform Mozambique into a center for energy production and export to neighboring countries such as South Africa, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Malawi, and Botswana,” he stated. He also mentioned ongoing initiatives, including the expansion of the Cahora Bassa Hydroelectric Plant and the future Mphanda Nkuwa hydroelectric project.
Regarding infrastructure, the President underscored the importance of the Maputo, Beira, and Nacala corridors, considering the latter “strategic for future regional development.” In the agricultural sector, he noted Mozambique’s vast arable land, making the country a prime area for foreign investment.
Chapo also reiterated the government’s willingness to promote public-private partnerships (PPPs) as a means to accelerate economic growth. Addressing U.S. business leaders, he emphasized that investment should not be limited to natural resources and infrastructure but should also include education and youth skills development.
“Mozambique is a young country. We believe education and skills are the future. We need to prepare our youth to become protagonists in the country’s development,” he said. The President also highlighted the historical role of the Africa-America Institute in training Mozambican leaders, such as Eduardo Mondlane and Joaquim Chissano, reaffirming that academic and cultural cooperation with the United States remains a priority.
Source: Mozambique News Agency (AIM)
