Mozambique's vegetable and horticultural exports saw an 11% lift in 2024, reaching US$167 million (€142.4 million), as detailed in a central bank statistical report. This expansion resulted from the normalization of production and distribution processes previously disrupted by 2023's adverse weather conditions.
Bananas, a core export, generated US$37 million (€31.5 million), rising from US$32 million the previous year. Neighboring nations, notably South Africa, are primary purchasers.
Former Minister of Agriculture Celso Correia described the agricultural outlook for 2024 positively in November, noting adequate rainfall and projecting a 5% sector growth. However, he emphasized the need for Mozambique to enhance its competitive edge, given the southern consumer market's reliance on imports from South Africa.
Correia stated, "In order to be able to compete, we need to control the borders a little better because we also have a lot of smuggling, which sometimes comes in and makes the competition unfair, and we have to help producers improve quality." He added that market dynamics would gradually facilitate this improvement.
Addressing the tomato sector, Correia highlighted, "We still do not have sufficient technology for off-season greenhouse production, and the South Africans do. So, when the climate changes in Mozambique, local supply disappears, leaving us at the mercy of external supply."
Source: Club of Mozambique
