This is a world in which, continuously, new models of economic exploitations still exist, feeding the vicious cycle of poverty in developing countries such as Mozambique.
On one hand, we have an interdependent world facing rapid and profound changes, where globalization and technological development are the instruments of a new future, and on the other, we have the local reality of a fertile country, rich in natural resources, plenty of opportunities and work to do such as Mozambique, that is more than 39 years independent and with its mineral resources, in search of a new door to its future.
Growth rate – Mozambican GDP
The Mozambican economy has kept, in the past years, a robust performance with an average gross domestic producer in the order of 7.6%. Obviously an upward growth rate driven by growth in mining industry, financial services and the supply persists and the considerable foreign investment in 2013 which reached 5.9 billion dollars.
Inflation
Regarding the inflation, the same has reduced over the years, going from a value of 16.6% in 2010 to an inflation of a digit with a record low of 2.7% in 2012, in large part because of a monetary restrictive policy, implemented by the Central Bank of Mozambique.
The discoveries of gas and coal production
The last few years were also marked by the offshore gas discoveries in the Rovuma basin in zone 1 and zone 4 operated by Eni and Anadarko with 70 TCF and when confirmed and duly exploited would locate Mozambique to the world TOP8. The companies plan to build a liquefied natural gas facility. Regarding the coal, its production increased in 2011 by more than 1594% with a value of the ascending production of USD 648,622 tonnes and comprising a production capacity of 11 million tonnes per year (8.5 million and coke 2 5 million thermal coal). Nevertheless, the recorded values did not reach the expected values and didn’t meet up with the market values and expected export capacity. This matter derived from the various logistical constraints since the rail lines that link the region of the mines to the ports are inadequate and did not respond to current flow needs.
Power generation projects
Big steps were also taken concerning the enhancement of energy production projects, through water resources projects of HCB, Mapnda Kuwa, Lupata dam among others and also from thermal power stations of gas and coal.
Poverty and Unemployment
Despite this excellent trajectory of the growth level, there were no structural changes, and therefore, the growth was not accompanied by a reduction in poverty and job opportunities. Taking into account that the latest international standards data indicated a poverty rate of about 60% and a 18.7% unemployment rate in 2004 with 70% of the population living in rural areas.
Strategy And Future
The ongoing challenge will be to feed of skills and knowledge, in order to design medium and long term strategies for major development vectors of the Mozambican economy, and in where the same possesses comparative advantages, taking into consideration both positive and negative aspects of globalization. More than drawing these strategies, it is required to find out the best way, the most efficient, and implement them in a sustainable manner based on objectives and critical success factors clearly defined in an integrated system with the key principle of action, throughout the value chain. Choosing effectively where, how and when to produce and invest according to the priorities of the established plans, but also choose how to finance the projects; choosing in a well-thought and balanced manner the sources of these funds.
If Mozambique move fast and with urgency over the next 15 years on infrastructure and education, technical competences, production and industrialization of agriculture. With Gas, Coal, and energy Mozambique could be one of the top african countries in the international market. Ceteris Paribus, Assuming good implementation of medium long term strategy, without corruption, development of local content and development of our capital market.
The large and main constraints to the Mozambican economic development will no doubt be the highlight engines to stand out the answers to key questions ECONOMY; What? How? When? How Much? And Why? And finally discover where is the future door that Mozambique have to meet and open.
Article by Tânia TT – Head of New Business and Investments Ecokaya, Economist,Speaker and Author. President Merit Certification Award Winner by Mozambican Presidency, Economic Award Winner by Portugal President and Portugal Palop Diplomatic Representations (Portugal-Africa Foundation).
Experienced Bank and Investment Professional (more then 10 years), with expertise in investment projects,credit (portfolio,committee,operations,applications,policy), Risk Mitigation, Management, Leadership and reward programs. Proven track record of building strategic partnership deals, new business development, finance and equity and new product launches.
A) Education: 1.Postgraduate in Management Control and Auditory
2.Economic degree
Universidade Católica Portuguesa, Faculdade de Economia e Gestão, Porto, Portugal.
B) Experience – More then 10 years Investment projects & Finance in Bank Industry
0. Head of New Business and Investments Ecokaya Group
0.1 – BNI Capital Coordinator – National Investment Bank
1.Head of new business and investment Gapi
2.Head of Investment services and Department of credit and risk mitigation Gapi
3. Senior Credit Risk Analyst & Financial Assessor BCI Fomento
4.Credit Risk Analyst BIM Investiment
5. Financial Consultant at Ernest & young
6.Pools for Portuguese Public TV station (RTP)
C) Academics and professional Awards:
1.Mozambique President’s Certificate of Merit 2014 received from Mozambique President
2.Woman Leadership Award 2014 (IVLP Program) By USA Government & American Embassy
3.Economic Academic Prize Portugal – Africa received from Portugal President Mário Soares
4. Selected by Contacto/SONAE – Portuguese Group Company – Portugal National Competition
5.Rank as number 1# in Linked-in among bank and finance professionals (100).
Specialties: Financial Consultancy, Risk and Credit Analysis, Management, Business Plan, Mineral and Environmental Projects, Green Business, Financial and Public Network, SMEs and Entrepreneurs, Business and Investment Platforms, New business, Large corporate companies,asset portfolio, Competitive analysis, Fundraising,etc.