Welcome to Zitamar’s daily Mozambique briefing for 12 October 2017.
The latest from Zitamar News:
Mustang wins first Mozambique ruby mining licence
The Australia-listed mining firm has already amassed 352,260 carats of rubies dug from the Cabo Delgado soil, which it will sell later this month at its maiden auction in Mauritius.
The best of the rest:
South Africa and Mozambique moving forward with “win-win” Rovuma gas pipeline (Interfax Energy)
South Africa’s Energy Minister, Mmamoloko Kubayi told delegates at a gas conference in Durban this week building a gas pipeline from the Rovuma Basin to South Africa would be a “win-win” situation for everyone. Meanwhile, Mozambique’s deputy energy minister, Augusto de Sousa Fernando said that high-level talks would continue in November to move forward with a feasibility study on the project.
Oil and gas industry analysts often dismiss the possibility of building a 2600 km pipeline the length of Mozambique. With LNG so cheap, they argue, piped gas would struggle to compete – and it would be too risky from a security of supply perspective for South Africa to depend so heavily on its eastern neighbour. However, the political will to build the pipeline is undoubtedly there. President Zuma made it a key theme at the SADC Summit; Kubayi keeps bringing it up; and there are several political heavyweights in Mozambique proposing rival pipeline projects. This pipe dream could well become a reality.
Shrimpers concerned over seismic survey in Zambezi delta (Diário de Moçambique)
Mozambique’s industrial prawn fishing association has expressed concern over the impact offshore oil and gas seismic surveys will have on the Zambezi delta, which is rich in prawns and other profitable seafood species. Aside from the fear of fuel spills and the noise of the ships and machinery, the association believes that the waves caused by the activity will influence the behaviour of the marine species and could disturb the normal migration and reproduction cycle of the shrimp.
Are the Mozambican authorities prepared to sacrifice the interests of high-employment, low-profitability activities such as fishing, for the chance of discovering more oil and gas? You betcha.
World Bank warns Mozambique of over-dependence on extractives (STV)
The World Bank warned yesterday that Mozambique’s economic recovery is likely to be adversely affected by fluctuations in commodity prices and dependence on the extractive sector – but said there are signs of improvement in the country’s economy. According to the latest edition of Africa’s Pulse, the World Bank’s bi-annual analysis of the state of African economies, Mozambique’s economy grew 2.9% in the first quarter of 2017.
Pakistani citizen shot dead by criminal policeman in Xai-Xai (Correio da Manhã)
A policeman who was also part of a gang of thieves has been detained in Xai-Xai, capital of Gaza province, for allegedly shooting dead a Pakistani citizen who was resisting an attempt to steal his car in Chókwè, a town in central Gaza. The spokesman for the police force in Gaza said investigations are underway to find out if the murder weapon belonged to the police or not.
Chinese citizen electrocuted in Chimoio (AIM)
A Chinese citizen died in Chimoio on Tuesday, electrocuted by an electricity pylon which was knocked over during a heavy storm.
Agenda
- Today: President Filipe Nyusi opens the four-day Mozambique International Tourism Fair – known as FIKANI – in the Joaquim Chissano International Conference Centre in Maputo
- Today: Prime Minister Carlos Agostinho do Rosario starts a three-day visit to Nampula province, where he will – among other engagements – take part in the opening ceremony of the IV National Religious Conference
- Today: US hip-hop artist Akon – of Senegalese descent – brings his Akon Lighting Africa electrification programme to Mozambique, launching in the Radisson Hotel in Maputo this afternoon
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