Mozambican vegetable exports dropped by 42.5% year-on-year in the first quarter of 2025, reaching US$21.3 million compared to US$37 million in the same period of 2024, according to data from the Bank of Mozambique compiled by Lusa.
The central bank report stated that exports "were affected by the impact of the post-election protests, which hampered the production and distribution of these goods." Despite this decline, vegetable and horticultural exports for the full year of 2024 increased by 11% to US$167 million.
Banana exports, another key product, generated US$10 million between January and March 2025, down from US$11.8 million in the same quarter of 2024. For the full year 2024, banana exports rose to US$37 million, up from US$32 million in 2023, with South Africa as a primary destination.
In response to political instability and climate pressures, the Mozambican government has introduced the Economic Recovery and Growth Plan (PRECE), approved by the Council of Ministers on 16 September 2024. According to spokesperson Inocêncio Impissa, the plan is "a short- and medium-term instrument to respond to the challenges of the economic situation."
"It includes a package of measures estimated at US$2.75 billion. Of this package, US$800 million will be allocated to support economic recovery, through instruments approved by the government," Impissa said. Measures include the Monetary Guarantee Fund, the Local Economic Development Fund, financing lines to support post-election recovery, and the establishment of a National Development Bank.
"The effective implementation of PRECE will contribute to restoring investor and public confidence, accelerating economic recovery, and creating an environment conducive to investment, job creation, and sustainable growth in the medium and long term," Impissa added.
Mozambique experienced nearly five months of unrest following the 9 October 2024 general elections. Demonstrations and strikes in Maputo and other cities escalated into violent clashes with police, leaving about 400 people dead and causing widespread damage to infrastructure and businesses.
According to a February report by the Confederation of Economic Associations of Mozambique (CTA), almost 1,000 companies were affected by the unrest, with losses estimated at more than US$480 million and 17,000 jobs lost. The survey found that 955 businesses were directly impacted, with 51% reporting "total vandalism and/or looting of their merchandise."
On 23 March 2025, President Daniel Chapo met opposition figure Venâncio Mondlane, with both pledging to end the violence.
Source: Club of Mozambique