Mozambique 19 May: Mozambique is central to South Africa's gas strategy
Good afternoon. Cape Town was the venue for a potentially significant speech by South Africa’s energy minister today, making clear that a gas pipeline from the offshore Rovuma Basin to South Africa is very much a part of her plans for the country’s energy mix over the next decade and beyond.
SEE: South Africa wants gas pipeline from northern Mozambique, energy minister says
Mozambique’s onshore Rovuma Blocks are getting less attention, however. London-listed Wentworth Resources, who is running an appraisal programme on the Tembo gas prospect in northern Mozambique, has still not brought in a strategic partner.
SEE: Wentworth raises $5.5 million to continue gas exploration in Mozambique
Still in Cabo Delgado province, a South African investment company that is the biggest shareholder in the company behind the Montepuez Ruby Mine has announced its plan to swallow the company whole, if it can win agreement from 90% of Gemfields’ shareholders.
SEE: South African investment company in takeover bid for Mozambique ruby miner
Mozambique has become a somewhat more attractive investment destination for foreign companies after a ruling from the country’s highest court last week overturning a regulation allowing the Minister of Labour to summarily expel expat workers. However, another article in the same law may still give her that power.
SEE: Mozambique overturns rule allowing Labour Minister to expel foreign workers
Mozambique’s tax environment is apparently another impediment to foreign investment - in particular, the alcohol consumption tax which is giving Dutch brewer Heineken pause for thought, according to the head of Mozambique’s investment promotion centre.
SEE: Heineken pushing Mozambique to cut alcohol duties – report
Have a great weekend.