The Mozambican National Energy Transport Company has allocated 58.6 million dollars for resettlement and compensation related to its Temane-Maputo Power Transmission Line. The 563-kilometer project, a key part of national electrification, affected 219 households and various public infrastructures across three southern provinces.
A significant portion of the funds, 25.7 million dollars, was used to physically resettle homes and infrastructure, including two hospitals and three schools. The company also disbursed over 21 million dollars in monetary compensation for nearly 2,700 farms and a dozen commercial establishments. A further 4.6 million dollars was invested in community support projects, such as constructing 88 new classrooms and...
A new district hospital in Mozambique's Tete province will end the long-standing challenge of accessing specialized healthcare for communities in four districts. The Cahora Bassa District Hospital, a 446 million meticais investment by Hidroeléctrica de Cahora Bassa, is strategically located to serve the populations of Marara, Magoe, Marávia, and Changara.
The facility will feature 65 beds and provide essential services, including a surgical theater, maternity ward, and outpatient consultations. Chairman Tomás Matola emphasized that it is a turnkey project, fully equipped and furnished to be operational upon inauguration. Health Minister Ussen Isse stated the hospital would address urgent medical situations that previously required...
Heavy rains in central Mozambique’s Macate district have destroyed 74 homes, impacting 370 residents. District Administrator Rosa Cararaza confirmed the severe damage and stated that the local government is collaborating with the National Institute for Disaster Risk Management and Reduction to provide support.
Affected families are receiving first aid and food kits. The official noted that while some displaced individuals have been accommodated by relatives, others are being housed in local schools. Authorities are also preparing to relocate families who remain in areas considered to be at risk.
Somalia is attempting to reshape its international reputation by promoting a nascent tourism industry in its capital, Mogadishu. Despite decades of conflict and ongoing threats from the Al-Shabab insurgency, officials report a significant reduction in attacks within the city. Tourism Minister Daud Aweis Jama stated that approximately 10,000 visitors arrived last year, with expectations for that number to double in 2025.
Tourists from countries including the United States and China, often accompanied by armed security, are visiting sites like Lido Beach. These travelers report feeling comfortable and welcomed by residents, contrasting their experience with dire government travel warnings from nations like Britain and the United States...
Leading African bankers assert that the continent's nations face disproportionately low credit ratings, resulting in significantly higher borrowing costs. Standard Bank CEO Sim Tshabalala labeled the situation scandalous, stating the extra expense suppresses annual economic growth by about two percentage points. He and Absa CEO Kenny Fihla agreed that African sovereigns are routinely rated several notches below their fundamental creditworthiness.
This disparity, termed a prejudice premium by the Africa Finance Corp., is estimated to cost the continent 75 billion dollars annually in additional interest. An International Monetary Fund study confirmed that sub-Saharan countries pay roughly half a percentage point more than similarly rated...
A new report identifying major obstacles to trade and investment in Mozambique was launched by the British High Commission in Maputo in collaboration with the Mozambican Ministry of Planning and Development and private sector partners. The UK-funded study outlines ten significant regulatory and operational barriers, focusing on sectors like energy and mining, and proposes recommendations to streamline administrative processes and improve the business climate.
British High Commissioner Helen Lewis stated that the report demonstrates the UK's long-term commitment, serving as a roadmap for reform and a platform for dialogue. She noted that British companies have investment commitments exceeding 1.4 billion dollars in the country. Luis...
President Umaro Sissoco Embaló is seeking re-election in Guinea-Bissau, facing eleven challengers in a politically unstable nation. His primary opponent is Fernando Dias, who gained significant standing after receiving the endorsement of former Prime Minister Domingos Simões Pereira. The PAIGC party, which Pereira leads, was barred from the ballot, leading to this strategic alliance. Analysts suggest this development makes a presidential runoff likely.
Other notable candidates include former President José Mario Vaz, who completed a full term but presided over a period marked by political infighting. Baciro Djá, a former prime minister and defense minister, is also running again after a poor showing in the previous election. The field...
Madagascar's interim president, Colonel Michael Randrianirina, has presented a large gemstone discovered within the presidential palace. The 300-kilogram boulder, described as an emerald in its natural matrix, was displayed at the Ambohitsorohitra State Palace. Officials stated the stone requires expert analysis to determine the quality and size of the emerald it contains.
Colonel Randrianirina declared the stone a national asset, indicating it could be sold to increase state revenues. He promised complete transparency in the process but provided no details on how or when the stone was found. Mines Minister Carl Andriamparany noted that an emerald with its matrix is a rare find for collectors, adding that no similar stone has been...
An audit by Mozambique’s Administrative Tribunal has identified significant discrepancies in the government's 2024 financial accounts, undermining their credibility. The tribunal reported that the accounts were prepared outside the official electronic finance system, compromising data integrity and allowing for potential manipulation. This finding led the tribunal to issue a review with reservations.
The audit further revealed that the state failed to report on revenue allocations meant for local communities from forestry and wildlife taxes. It also cited weak coordination in monitoring gas and mining activities, resulting in lost tax revenue. Public debt increased by seven percent to over 1.043 trillion meticais. Revenue collection...
