SLEEPING BEAUTY OF SOUTHERN AFRICA

The Flag

Description

Three equal horizontal bands of green (top), black, and yellow with a red isosceles triangle based on the hoist side; the black band is edged in white; centred in the triangle is a yellow five-pointed star bearing a crossed rifle and hoe in black superimposed on an open white book.

Background

Moçambique has emerged from its conflict-torn past to become one of the most dynamic economies in Sub-Saharan Africa. Foreign investment in Moçambique is governed under the Law on Investment, No. 3/93 of June 24, 1993. Additional amendments were passed in Decree No. 12/93 on July 21, 1993, and Decree 37/95, on August 8, 1995. The law generally does not make distinctions based on investor origin, and generally does not limit foreign ownership or control of companies.

To encourage direct foreign investment, a variety of tax incentives are available. They vary according to the region of the country and the nature of the investment concerned, but often include a 50 to 80 percent reduction in the industrial contribution and supplemental taxes. Customs exemptions are possible for the importation of capital equipment and raw materials.

Portuguese is the official language although English is widely used in business. Other languages spoken include Lomwe, Makhuwa, Sena and Tsonga.

People are vibrant and friendly, the coast line and beaches are simply breathtaking and if you are into seafood — you could not wish for anything more: giant prawns, crabs, lobster and fish are in abundance - washed down with excellent local beers.

Mozambique enjoys an almost carnival atmosphere, and its culture is a heady mix of Portuguese and Arab African. There are lots to see, including world-renowned beaches, World Heritage sites, funky colonial architecture and colourful local culture. Mozambique also boasts some of the best yacht charter, scuba diving and fishing in the world.

Location

Mozambique stretches for 1,535 mi (2,470 km) along Africa's southeast coast. It is nearly twice the size of California. Tanzania is to the north; Malawi, Zambia, and Zimbabwe to the west; and South Africa and Swaziland to the south. The country is generally a low-lying plateau broken up by 25 sizable rivers that flow into the Indian Ocean. The largest is the Zambezi, which provides access to central Africa.

Ponta do Ouro

Is a small town in the district of Matutuine, close to the border of South Africa. The Portuguese gave the name Ponta do Ouro, meaning 'point of gold'. According to historical records, the Portuguese traded gold for slaves from the southern coastal region of Mozambique to entrepreneurs in South Africa. The slaves rendered a number of services, mainly to the mines in Kimberly and Johannesburg. There are many different stories as to the origin of the name, from a sunken ship carrying gold bars, to a beautiful golden sunrise. The historical truth might never be known, but the modern day value of what is one of the most beautiful and unspoiled bays in the world, can certainly lay claim to golden treasures.

The area of the town is 10 km2, located 117 km south of Maputo. The town is characterised by a warm sub-tropical climate. The warm currents from the Agulhas determine the temperature, the composition of the seawater and, indirectly, the north-south orientation of the coastline.

Tourism

The rich resources and unique natural assets available in Southern Africa and the neighbouring islands provide an unprecedented opportunity for would-be investors, developers and travelers alike.

The areas’ remarkable diversity and unique combination of traditional African bush coupled with vast plains teeming with wild game, tropical and sub-tropical coastline, sweeping desert, coral reefs, savannah, dense forests and majestic mountain ranges make it one of the richest treasure chests in the world. The World Bank has recently described the location as “possibly the most economically viable region for future sustainable tourism development.

Under conservative assumptions, aggregate demand in the area is projected to grow from estimated 2.8 million bed nights a year in 1999 to around 4.1 million by 2005, and 6.3 million by 2010. Given the intrinsic qualities of the identified areas, the interventions referred to are expected to support a substantial and sustained growth in tourism demand, which will underpin a meaningful expansion and diversification in the supply of tourism accommodation. The identified lead-investment projects in this prospectus will induce secondary development of tourist facilities in and around the identified location and as such further create a greater support infrastructure and value to the projects.

Marine Life

At Ponta Do Ouro, approximately 100 Inshore Bottlenose and Spinner dolphins reside in its sheltered waters, and humpback whales pass through here in the winter months. Various reefs can be explored by divers, varying in depth from 10-40 meters. These coral reefs are home to a teeming variety of marine life – rock cod, potato bass, wrasse, parrotfish, angelfish, sharks and eels all add to the wonderful and vibrant underwater scenery, punctuated occasionally by the clicks and whistles of dolphins and by the haunting calls of whales.

Geographic coordinates

18 15 S, 35 00 E

Area

Total: 801,590 sq km
Land: 784,090 sq km
Water: 17,500 sq km

Climate

Tropical to Subtropical

Other

  • Moçambique is an independent republic which lies on the South-East coast if Africa and forms part of the Southern Africa Region.
  • The capital city is Maputo, other major towns are Beira and Nampula and the ports of Quelimane and Nacala.
  • The official language is Portuguese.
  • Moçambique has a centrally planned economy although the government is instituting free-market reforms.
  • The local currency is Metica (plural Meticas) but South African Rand and US Dollar are also accepted.
  • The international dialling code is +258.
  • Maputo, Beira and Nampula have international airports served by South Africa Airways, Air Portugal but the principal airline is Air Moçambique.
  • South Africa is Moçambique’s biggest trading partner and the largest source of foreign investment.
  • Since 1995 Moçambique has engaged in regular discussions with South Africa to harmonise trade regulations and facilitate cross-border trade and investment.