Xinavane, Maputo Province: Mozambique’s sugar industry is poised for a sweet victory, with production projected to surge by 10% in the current 2024-25 agricultural campaign. This upward trend signals a promising recovery from the setbacks caused by devastating floods in recent years.
The agriculture sector in Xinavane district revealed that the nation’s sugar output could soar from 1.6 million tons to a staggering 1.9 million tons. This significant increase would not only meet domestic demand but also bolster export volumes.
While the industry has faced challenges, notably the temporary closure of the Maragra sugar mill, it has demonstrated remarkable resilience. Despite these hurdles, the subsector has consistently ensured a stable supply of sugar at affordable prices for Mozambican consumers.
The sugar industry plays a crucial role in the country’s economy, supporting 18,000 direct jobs nationwide. However, the impact of the 2022 cyclone led to a sharp decline in sugar cane production from 2.7 million to 1.6 million tons.
Over the past decade, Mozambique has maintained an average sugar production of around 350,000 tons per year, with domestic consumption accounting for approximately half of this output.
In addition to the sugar sector, the agricultural sector is also anticipating a bumper harvest for cereals, particularly maize. Production is expected to exceed three million tons, contributing to food security and economic growth.edia.co.za
