Mozambique 31 Jan 2017: Cabo Delgado in the ascendant
Good afternoon. The wait is over to find out which projects have been awarded allocations from Mozambique’s domestic gas allocation from the Rovuma Basin offshore projects. Two major multinationals plus one smaller company with a limited track record will be charged with kicking off what the government hopes will be a gas-led industrial revolution.
SEE: Mozambique picks winners for domestic gas mega-projects
Cabo Delgado is proving a resource-rich province, not only with the offshore gas but with minerals onshore. Mustang Resources is close to selling the first rubies from its ruby mine in Montepuez - next to the well-established Gemfields mine - while Syrah Resources is aiming to start digging graphite later this year.
SEE: Mustang aims to sell first Mozambique rubies in H1 2017
SEE: Syrah says Mozambique graphite production to start Q3 2017
Cabo Delgado is also in the ascendant on the political scene. Filipe Nyusi, a native of Mueda, became Mozambique’s first northern president two years ago, and this week appointed another Muedan to lead the security services. The ministry of defence is also headed up by a Makonde from Cabo Delgado - as per a long-standing tradition.
SEE: Nyusi names new head of Mozambique security services
And finally, the real reasons behind a temporary fuel shortage over the weekend are still the subject of speculation, with rumours rife that tankers withheld delivery due to non-payment of the bill. Whatever the issue was, the government has resolved it - for now at least.
SEE: Mozambique promises end to fuel shortages by end of today
Have a great week.