Simone Santi, President of the Mines, Hydrocarbons, and Energy Portfolio at the Confederation of Economic Associations of Mozambique (CTA), argued during the 10th Mozambique Gas & Energy Summit & Exhibition that the debate on green industrialization must be guided by pragmatism and economic realism.
Santi emphasized that Mozambique is not a polluting country but rather a strategic player that can contribute to South Africa’s decarbonization through the export of clean energy.
Speaking on the panel “The Role of Industrial Parks in Green Industrialization and Development,” he warned that Mozambique cannot simply “stop using gas,” as this resource remains a strategic asset for the country and must be integrated into its energy transition strategy.
He also highlighted competitiveness and infrastructure gaps that place Mozambique at a disadvantage compared to South Africa, noting that many local entrepreneurs still favor informal trade over industrial investment.
The CTA president stressed the need to decentralize industrialization and support small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), as they generate the most impact in terms of employment and community development. He also drew attention to foreign exchange constraints, criticizing instances where companies are forced to pay for services in foreign currency, even domestically, instead of using meticais.
In the final part of his intervention, Simone Santi issued a warning by recalling Angola’s experience, where for decades the energy sector was concentrated in large companies like Sonangol, only recently recognizing the importance of SMEs. According to Santi, Mozambique should avoid repeating this mistake to fully leverage the potential of its industrial policy.
The 10th Mozambique Gas & Energy Summit & Exhibition takes place from September 22 to 24 in Maputo, bringing together key national and international energy sector stakeholders.
Organized in partnership with the Government of Mozambique, the event serves as the main platform for debate and cooperation on the country’s energy future, focusing on industrialization, energy transition, and local development.
Over three days, government leaders, top executives, regulators, operators, and experts share perspectives on key topics such as liquefied natural gas (LNG), renewable energy, project financing, local content, and energy transition policies.
The summit includes high-level panels, technical seminars, networking sessions, and a business exhibition, promoting concrete investment opportunities and reinforcing Mozambique’s role as a strategic player in the regional and global energy landscape.
Source: Diário Económico
