Mphanda Nkuwa
Maputo, 17 Jul (AIM) – Mozambique’s Confederation of Economic Associations (CTA) and Mphanda Nkuwa Hydroelectric Project have signed a cooperation agreement aimed at empowering small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).
The Mpanda Nkuwa hydroelectric project on the Zambezi River – which is about 60 kilometres downstream from the existing Cahora Bassa dam, in the central province of Tete – is budgeted at 5.1 billion US dollars and includes a power station with an installed capacity to generate 1,500 megawatts, and a high voltage electricity transmission line running for 1,300 kilometres, from the Zambezi Valley to Maputo.
Mozambique’s power sector currently has a capacity to generate 2,750 megawatts, and when the Mphanda Nkuwa dam is in operation, it is expected that the country will generate 4,300 megawatts.
The agreement, which was signed during the 21st Annual Private Sector Conference (CASP) in Maputo, is aimed at empowering the SMEs that will provide services to this future electrical infrastructure. Under the agreement, CTA has the mission of integrating SMEs into the project.
According to Onório Manuel, CTA deputy chairperson, the government must now address the challenges that continue to constrain business growth and ensure that Mozambique’s economic opportunities translate into increased investment, stronger production capacity and more jobs.
“We are not here to complain, but to propose solutions. The government and the private sector share the same objective: to see Mozambique grow, create jobs and generate prosperity. What we need is a business environment that facilitates investment, promotes competitiveness and enables companies to do what they do best: produce, innovate and create wealth”, he said.
“Businesses focus on investing, and when that happens, jobs are created, production increases, tax revenues grow, and development accelerates. An enabling investment environment is the foundation of sustainable social and economic development”, he added.
Am/
