Mozambique cannot simply export energy and raw materials. That was the message left this Wednesday by the President of the Republic, Daniel Chapo, who challenged national businesspeople and foreign investors to join forces in a “national alliance for productive investment”, arguing that major energy projects should serve as an engine for industrialisation, job creation and the country's economic growth.
Speaking at the opening session of the Mozambique CEO Summit 2026, in Maputo, the Head of State outlined the vision of a country able to convert its vast economic potential into concrete benefits for the population, while strengthening its position as a strategic player in the economic integration of Southern Africa.
According to Daniel Chapo, the theme chosen for this edition of the event — Mozambique as a regional energy hub, leading the next growth frontier in Africa — reflects a legitimate national ambition.
“The motto chosen for this edition of the Mozambique CEO Summit, Mozambique as a regional energy hub, leading the next growth frontier in Africa, reflects a clear and legitimate national aspiration of Mozambique to establish itself as the regional platform for the production, transport, processing and trading of energy in the service of its industrialisation and the integration of Southern Africa,” he declared.
The President recalled that the country has abundant energy resources, logistics corridors, strategic ports, mineral resources and extensive arable land, conditions that can underpin a new phase of economic growth. Even so, he acknowledged that the economy remains excessively dependent on the extractive industry, based on the exploitation of coal, heavy sands, graphite and natural gas.
“We want, from now on, to diversify,” he said, arguing that the country's energy wealth must be placed, above all, at the service of national development.
“Our aspiration is not simply to be a country that exports energy or raw materials, but to use energy to produce more, process more, employ more and compete better,” he stressed.
Daniel Chapo also argued that Mozambique should take on a more significant role in the region's energy security, noting that several neighbouring countries are experiencing difficulties with electricity supply.
“Most of our brother neighbouring countries have serious electricity challenges and we have to respond to this demand,” he declared.
In his address, he highlighted the Rovuma Basin natural gas projects, the hydroelectric developments in the Zambezi valley and the Energy for All programme as fundamental pillars of the strategy to turn Mozambique into a true regional energy hub.
Despite the potential of these investments, the President warned that their benefits cannot remain isolated from the other sectors of the economy.
“Major investments must create real links with the national economy, open up opportunities for Mozambican micro, small and medium-sized enterprises, transfer knowledge, respect local communities, protect the environment and comply with national legislation,” he said.
Before dozens of national and foreign businesspeople, Daniel Chapo called for the joint mobilisation of the State, the private sector and development partners to drive a new economic cycle.
“We need a national alliance for productive investment, for industrialisation, for job creation, for valuing human capital and for integrity in the management of public and private resources,” he declared.
The Head of State also rejected a growth model based on “enclaves”, where large projects coexist with the economic exclusion of communities, arguing instead for an economy built on effective links between major investments and Mozambican micro, small and medium-sized enterprises.
Addressing the private sector, he guaranteed that the Government will remain committed to improving the business environment and strengthening the competitiveness of the national economy.
“Our commitment is not just to announce reforms, but to ensure that they are felt in the life of businesses and in the life of every Mozambican,” he said, assuring his audience that the Executive will press ahead with measures to simplify administrative procedures, reduce bureaucratic barriers, combat corruption, strengthen institutional integrity and tackle factors that harm investment, including kidnappings.
Daniel Chapo also argued for an energy transition that takes into account the development needs of the African continent.
“A just energy transition, one that reconciles climate urgency with the right to development. Africa cannot be asked to choose between protecting the environment and lifting millions of people out of poverty. We have to do both,” he concluded.
The opening ceremony of the Mozambique CEO Summit 2026 was also marked by a tribute to the Mozambican businessman Fernando Leite Couto, honoured for his contribution to the development of the national private sector.
