Mozambique is experiencing a macadamia boom, with the country’s burgeoning nut industry poised to become a significant contributor to the national economy. According to the National Almond Institute, the 2023-2024 harvest yielded a bumper crop of 5,000 tonnes, a significant increase from previous years. This translates to a substantial economic windfall, with exports of 3,735 tonnes generating over $27 million in revenue.
The demand for Mozambican macadamias is growing steadily, with key export markets including South Africa, China, and Vietnam. This burgeoning industry is not only attracting large-scale commercial players – with 58 companies currently involved in macadamia cultivation – but also encouraging smallholder farmers to embrace this lucrative crop. While only 23 family growers are currently cultivating macadamias, covering 478 hectares, the National Almond Institute is actively working to expand smallholder participation through awareness campaigns and incentive programs.
The provinces of Manica, Niassa, and Maputo are leading the charge in macadamia cultivation, boasting the highest concentration of commercial producers and vast plantations covering over 8,000 hectares. These regions, renowned for their fertile soils and favorable climate, have become hotspots for macadamia production.
But Mozambique’s agricultural success story doesn’t end with macadamias. Lychees, another high-value crop, are also flourishing. Despite facing climatic challenges last year, lychee exports still generated over $3 million for the country, primarily shipped to European markets such as the Netherlands, France, and the United Kingdom.
Mozambique is now poised to disrupt the European lychee market by entering the market outside of the traditional season. This strategic move demonstrates the country’s commitment to expanding its agricultural exports and capitalizing on global demand for high-quality, premium produce.
The success of the macadamia and lychee industries underscores the significant potential of Mozambique’s agricultural sector. By investing in research and development, supporting smallholder farmers, and improving infrastructure, the country can further capitalize on its agricultural wealth and drive economic growth. This golden age of Mozambican agriculture promises not only to boost the national economy but also to improve the livelihoods of rural communities across the country.
