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Africa’s longest bridge
Mozambique celebrated the opening of Africa’s longest suspension bridge.
The country’s President Felipe Nyusi declared the Maputo-Catembe Bridge open for traffic at an inauguration ceremony on Saturday, in the hopes that it will promote tourism in Mozambique.
The Maputo-Catembe Bridge connects the north and south banks of Maputo. It also provides a road link between Maputo and the border of South Africa, which was previously only possible by boat.
UN General Assembly
President Nyusi of Mozambique, noted the early progress made in the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals, and reminded the international community that a new era of development had begun.
With the promotion of human rights, good governance and financing for development as key points, he called for support of the Secretary-General’s reform of the United Nations system so the Organization can be adequate to its purpose. Commending the Secretary-General’s inclusive approach, he said Member States must resolve differences for more effective cooperation.
As one of the countries most exposed to the effects of climate change, he said Mozambique continues to take measures in accordance with the Paris Agreement, devoting 25 per cent of its territory to the conservation of biodiversity, developing renewable energies in rural areas and working to ensure the protection of ecosystems and sharing of benefits. Appealing for international cooperation in sharing technological means, and reiterating the unconditional commitment of his country to the critical role of the United Nations in solving humanity’s problems, he called for continuing to be “faithful” to those ideals.
Business opportunities in Mozambique
Mozambique has massive potential underpinned by its vast natural resources. This has been one of President Nyusi to France, following the invitation made by his contrepart and by French companies that are willing to invest in Mozambique.
The Business opportunities in Mozambique meeting brought together public and private sectors, project developers and global financiers to discuss the opportunities for investment into Mozambique’s power sector.
Targeted sessions focusing on gas, renewable energy and regional interconnectivity provided a platform for the development of the off-taker market in support of the country’s ‘Vision 2025’ development plan.
The meeting took a closer look at the different financing models available to support industry developments and strengthen public-private partnerships, and feature case studies by implementers and their partners.
Opportunities in Mozambique
Recent political developments in Mozambique mark the beginning of an important era. The party of government, the Mozambique Liberation Front (FRELIMO), is clearly anxious to back the newly elected head of state, Filipe Nyusi, who – following an initial tussle with his predecessor – is apparently keen to open a different style of dialogue with his rivals both among the country’s opposition parties and within FRELIMO itself. This apparent political maturing comes at a time when the prospect of significant economic transition is gaining ground.
Foreign investors are committing to Mozambique, and this can only have been encouraged by recent political developments. Of particular note has been the arrival of the liquefied natural gas (LNG) industry in the context of some globally significant offshore gas finds in the north. Despite likely high development costs, the market for LNG is strong – especially in East Asia. Looking ahead by some years to 2020–25, LNG markets in the United States and Europe should also become more attractive, as domestic production winds down in the former and North Africa’s supply to Europe begins to dwindle. The long-term view of Mozambique’s LNG prospects is good – albeit more modest than spectacular. In addition to LNG development, there are significant investments under way in agribusiness (biofuels production), coal, non-hydrocarbon minerals and fisheries.