The President of the Agency for Integrated Development of the North (ADIN), Jacinto Loureiro, stated last week, during a round table organized by Business Magazine that the mega-projects being implemented in Northern Mozambique will only have an effective impact if they are accompanied by consistent policies of social inclusion, institutional strengthening, and local economic dynamization.
In his address, Jacinto Loureiro identified the region’s main constraints as low socio-economic indicators, outdated infrastructure, the effects of cyclones, terrorist actions, and a decline in foreign direct investment — factors that have hindered the progress of structural projects. Nevertheless, he emphasized that the provinces of Cabo Delgado, Nampula, and Niassa possess vast potential, reflected in their mineral and energy resources, extensive arable land, coastal areas, and predominantly young human capital.
When discussing the implementation of mega-projects, the ADIN President referred to major investments such as Mozambique LNG, Rovuma LNG, Kenmare, Syrah Resources, and Montepuez Ruby Mining, noting that while these are strategic initiatives, they must overcome challenges such as social exclusion, population displacement, and community dissatisfaction. He therefore advocated for greater promotion of local content, support for the growth of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), and the development of value chains linked to agriculture, fisheries, mineral resources, and local industrialization.
During the debate, participants presented further recommendations, emphasizing the importance of ADIN continuing to work along established program lines, involving local SMEs more substantially in initiatives developed with TotalEnergies and other partners, and paying special attention to strengthening agricultural value chains — particularly in fertilizer production, packaging and processing, and the improvement of poultry and cattle breeding. Some business representatives also expressed interest in collaborating with ADIN in the areas of rural electrification and livestock development.
Source: ADIN
