The Business Year

Search
Close this search box.
Aiuba Cuereneia

MOZAMBIQUE - Economy

Down to Business

Minister of Planning and Development, Mozambique

Bio

Aiuba Cuereneia has been the Minister of Planning and Development since 2005. In addition, he is the Governor of Mozambique at the World Bank, African Development Bank, and the International Fund for Agricultural Development. He previously worked at the Ministry of State Administration and was Vice-Minister between 2000 and 2004. He has a degree in Economics and Management from the Eduardo Mondlane University in Maputo.

What are the government’s main priorities regarding the Strategic Plan for Institutional Development over the next five years? First, Mozambique will continue to develop and consolidate its institutions to better […]

What are the government’s main priorities regarding the Strategic Plan for Institutional Development over the next five years?

First, Mozambique will continue to develop and consolidate its institutions to better provide basic goods and services, while ensuring the proper conditions for continued economic development. Second, we plan to continue developing the country’s infrastructure in order to promote economic advancement. Finally, the plan is designed to help Mozambique develop its human resources. This is an important priority, as it will ensure that all Mozambicans can benefit from the current wave of foreign investment.

What are the advantages of Mozambique as a destination for foreign investment?

Mozambique presents many advantages as a destination for foreign investment. First, due to its geo-strategic location on the eastern coast of Africa, the country serves as a natural connection between the countries of the African hinterland and the rest of the world. This provides a range of opportunities for development and investment in the logistics sector. Secondly, for the most part, Mozambique enjoys political, economic, and social stability. In addition, the country has a favorable legal framework for foreign investment. Mozambique also has a wealth of potential in its natural resources. The country has rich fishery resources, which create attractive investment opportunities in fishery and seafood processing of a diverse range of produce. Mozambique is also rich in natural beauty, which provides many opportunities for tourism investments in all segments of the market. Additionally, the existence of a diversity of rivers with permanent courses and many microclimates within the country creates favorable conditions for agriculture all year round.

What is the government doing to ensure and improve the ease of investing and doing business in Mozambique?

Over the last few years, Mozambique has undertaken institutional reforms and procedures to facilitate an improved environment for doing business and creating companies. We have simplified the procedures to reduce the time needed to obtain licenses and revised the forms related to the payment of taxes and fees.

“ Mozambique is a mature and stable country with a functioning democratic institution. “

What would you say to investors who are concerned about events in the Central region of the country?

Mozambique is a mature and stable country with a functioning democratic institution. We have always been able to resolve any problems the country has faced as they have arisen over time. We believe that the current situation will be short-lived. It is important to remember that we are a country born out of war against colonial powers, and following our independence we suffered through a long war of destabilization supported by foreign powers. As a result, we understand the harm that comes from war. We want peace, which is the only way to guarantee that we can achieve our aspirations for social and economic development.

What will be the most important sectors for investment in the Mozambican economy over the coming years?

Around 70% of the population lives in rural areas and their livelihoods come from agricultural activities. In this sense, agriculture will continue to be our number one priority due to its ability to contribute to rural development, reduce poverty, and promote dynamism in our processing industries. The infrastructure sector also offers good opportunities for development through public-private partnerships (PPPs). To this end, the government recently approved the Integrated Investment Program, which outlines a number of infrastructure projects that should be developed by 2016, with a view to tackling the necessities for development in many sectors of the economy. The energy and tourism sectors also offer many opportunities for investment.

What trends do you foresee in the Mozambican economy over the coming year?

Our views for the coming year are outlined in the government’s five-year plan, which contains a plan for social and economic development. The fight against poverty through the growth of agricultural and fisheries productivity as well as human development and promoting increased employment will be our main focuses for 2014. We predict inflation of around 5.6% and GDP growth of around 8%. The economy will continue to receive major investments in the natural resources sector, particularly gas, coal, and forestry. Mozambique will continue on its path to inclusive and sustainable development.

ADVERTISEMENT

ADVERTISEMENT

You may also be interested in...

Letshego CarlosNhamahango _pic

MOZAMBIQUE - Finance

Carlos J. Nhamahango

Interview

CEO, Letshego Bank

MZ24_EC_Whatana_NunoQuelhas_pic_1

MOZAMBIQUE - Economy

Nuno Quelhas

Interview

CEO, Whatana Investments

MZ24_EN_PumaEnergy_DaniloCorreia_pic

MOZAMBIQUE - Energy & Mining

Danilo Correia

Interview

General Manager, Puma Energy Mozambique

View All interviews

Countries

Countries

Become a sponsor