In the initial nine months of 2024, Mozambique's vegetable exports surged by nearly 45% compared to the previous year, as per the central bank's statistical report. The exports reached $130 million (€124 million) by September's end, up from $90.2 million (€86 million) in the same period of 2023.
The increase is attributed to the normalization of production and distribution processes following adverse weather conditions in 2023, according to the Bank of Mozambique. Bananas, a staple export, garnered $29.4 million (€28 million) during this period, primarily purchased by neighboring South Africa, compared to $22.4 million (€21.4 million) the previous year.
In a statement on November 11, Mozambique's then-agriculture minister, Celso Correia, highlighted the agricultural campaign's positive outlook, citing expected rainfall and a projected 5% growth in output. He emphasized that "social peace" is vital amid ongoing demonstrations after the contested October elections. Correia stated, "It's very important that we have social peace because social peace allows us to produce, it allows every family that has its activity to develop and have its income not affected."
Correia anticipated a 5% production increase for the 2024/2025 season due to favorable weather, noting that while the south has experienced rainfall, the central and northern regions will begin sowing later than usual. He acknowledged challenges in Mozambique's agricultural competitiveness, particularly in controlling border contraband and improving product quality. He remarked on the technological gap in greenhouse production, stating, "We still don't have enough technology to allow greenhouse production out of season and the South Africans do."
Source: Club of Mozambique