Mozambique 13 April 17: If it all goes right and nothing goes wrong...
Good afternoon. It’s another short week in Mozambique as much of the country - including Zitamar News - observes Good Friday tomorrow.
Optimism regarding the state of the economy is growing, with Standard Bank now predicting that the metical could strengthen as far as 50 to the dollar by the end of this year. Their reasons are plausible - but the prediction seems to rely on everything going right and nothing going wrong between now and then, a scenario which recent experience suggests is unlikely.
SEE: Metical-USD could hit 50 by year end – Standard Bank
The Rovuma gas projects are still delayed, for instance - including Total’s exploration of Area 3. This week the French company re-tendered for logistics base services in Pemba or Nacala.
SEE: Total re-tenders for Mozambique logistics base contractor
Next month, Nyusi will visit the Netherlands where his engagements will likely include a meeting with Shell, the oil company planning to make diesel from the Rovuma gas some time in the next decade. Dutch interests in Mozambique also include water and beer.
SEE: Nyusi plans Netherlands trip to promote investment in Mozambique
The port of Beira is also run by a Dutch-Mozambican company. It is there that Zimbabwe’s national petroleum company wants to build a new fuel terminal to supply not only Zimbabwe but other countries in the region.
SEE: Zimbabwe state-owned oil company planning new fuel terminal at Beira
Zitamar News will be back on Monday - enjoy the long weekend.