If all goes according to plan, by the middle of the next decade there could be two oil refineries operating in Mozambique, one at Nacala in the north of the country, and one in the district of Matutuine, in the far south of the country. The southern refinery is a project of Oilmoz, a company founded by former foreign minister Leonardo Simao.
What happened to cashew nuts in Mozambique?
In the 1960s Mozambique produced half the world’s raw cashew nuts and processed much of the crop domestically. Then the industry was brought to its knees by a long civil war. The knockout punch came in the 1990s, when the World Bank told the government to remove controls and cut taxes on the export of raw nuts.
Why is Mozambique reviving its industry?
By reviving its industry, Mozambique has captured some of that value. But its story also shows why industrial policy is hard to get right. In the 1960s Mozambique produced half the world’s raw cashew nuts and processed much of the crop domestically. Then the industry was brought to its knees by a long civil war.
How much do cashew workers make in Mozambique?
For eight hours a day workers at a cashew factory in northern Mozambique scoop nuts from their oily shells. It is hard to talk above the thrum of machines. The pay is a modest 4,600 meticais ($76) a month. But it is a job. There are precious few good ones in Mozambique. Listen to this story. Enjoy more audio and podcasts on iOS or Android.