Mozambique to reduce imports from South Africa

Mozambique's Agriculture Minister, Roberto Albino, has reiterated his government's commitment to reducing the country's reliance on food imports from South Africa by strengthening domestic agricultural production as part of an import substitution strategy.

The move has been welcomed by agricultural analysts, who say efforts to expand local production can contribute to greater food security and economic growth across Southern Africa, provided they are accompanied by continued regional cooperation and open trade.

Agriculture accounts for an estimated 20 to 25 percent of Mozambique's gross domestic product (GDP), making the sector a critical driver of employment, rural livelihoods and economic development.

Analysts say increasing agricultural output would not only strengthen Mozambique's economy but also enhance food security across the region.

However, they caution that efforts to promote domestic production should not be accompanied by protectionist measures or irregular border closures that disrupt regional food trade.

Instead, governments, farmers and agribusinesses across Southern Africa are encouraged to work together to improve productivity while maintaining open and predictable trade corridors.

South Africa's agricultural sector is viewed as an important regional partner with extensive expertise, technology and production capacity that can support agricultural development in neighbouring countries.

Industry observers argue that South African agribusinesses can play a significant role in transferring knowledge, technology and agricultural inputs to Mozambique, helping accelerate productivity without undermining regional trade.

They contend that closer collaboration, rather than trade barriers, offers the best pathway towards shared prosperity, improved food security and a more resilient agricultural sector throughout the Southern African region.