By Faridat Salifu
Mozambique is opening its doors to international investors and initiatives aimed at boosting the blue economy, maritime infrastructure, and port security.
President Daniel Chapo made this clear on August 20 during the opening of the 9th Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD9) in Yokohama, Japan.
He emphasized that sustainable ocean resource use is critical for economic growth, livelihoods, and the preservation of marine ecosystems.
Chapo noted that Mozambique’s National Strategic Development Plan 2025–2040 prioritizes regional economic integration and peace in the Indian Ocean region.
He described the Indian Ocean as both a bridge between continents and a driver of socioeconomic development, facilitating cultural exchange and access to global markets.
Key sectors for cooperation, he said, include port logistics and maritime security along the Nacala Corridor, sustainable tourism, and the energy transition.
Chapo highlighted the importance of regional trade, technology, and investment in green infrastructure and renewable energy, pointing out that over 60 percent of Mozambique’s production depends on its 2,700 km coastline.
He stressed that the Indian Ocean-Africa partnership is essential for achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) across the region.
The President also invited collaboration in services, infrastructure, tourism, agriculture, and fisheries, spanning Southern Africa, the Middle East-Africa corridor, and Asia-Africa.
Finally, Chapo urged strengthening bilateral and multilateral forums that reflect TICAD’s values of African prosperity, partnership, and people-centered development.
