Global Gateway Investment Forum EU-Mozambique: strategic investment for sustainable development

Maputo hosted the first Mozambique – European Union Investment Forum, a two-day event under the theme “Creating business opportunities”. The Mozambican Government and the EU Delegation in Mozambique, together with the European Association of the Chambers of Commerce, the Mozambican Chamber of Commerce, the Agency for the Promotion of Investment and Exports (APIEX) and the Mozambican Association of Renewable Energies (AMER) organized this Forum. It aimed to attract quality investments within the scope of the European Union’s Global Gateway initiative in Mozambique and boost and diversify trade between the two parties.

The Mozambican Prime Minister, Adriano Maleiane, and the European Commissioner for Energy, Kadri Simson, opened the event. The Forum saw the signing of a memorandum between the Government of Mozambique and the European Commissioner for five emblematic Global gateway projects in the areas of energy, digitalization, skills development and blue economy for an EU contribution of more than EUR 100 million. This signature reflects a commitment to increase collaboration and sustainable development between Mozambique and the European Union.

The event brought together stakeholders from the public and private sectors, including Mozambican and European policy-makers, public sector agencies, EU Member States embassies and consulates, private sector support agencies, business associations and Chambers of Commerce, financial  intermediaries, investors, international finance institutions and development partners.

The forum focused on promoting Mozambique as an investment destination for European investors, with a particular emphasis on sectors promoted through the Global Gateway. Interactive panels set the scene for each theme and analyzed together with participants numerous investment opportunities in areas such as renewable energy, transport, digitalization, critical raw materials, agribusiness, blue economy and tourism. The forum also highlighted the importance of adding value to “Made in Mozambique” products and industrialization.

Economic relations between the EU and Mozambique have been flourishing. The EU Investment Survey undertaken by the European Union showed that European companies are very optimistic and expect their investments to grow times five over the coming years.

The Prime Minister, Adriano Maleiane, emphasized the crucial role of investment in the agriculture and energy sectors for national development. He confirmed that the Government is

working towards the implementation and harmonization of reforms to further enhance the business climate. 

The Forum counted with more than 800 participants who were not only active in the panels but also benefited from various Business-to-Business (B2B) meetings and networking opportunities. More than 30 companies had the occasion to showcase their work in the exposition and 16 Mozambican SMEs did a business pitch to find potential investors.

The European Union Commissioner for Energy, Kadri Simson, highlighted Mozambique’s strategic location and potential for sustainable economic growth. The Global Gateway program is seen as a response to global challenges, aiming to mobilize quality investments in infrastructure and human development.

Simson emphasized the need for public-private partnerships for sustainable growth and addressed challenges such as inadequate access to energy in Mozambique. The EU is working to de-risk private investments in the renewable energy sector.