Mozambique is looking to expand commercial agriculture in Gaza Province to reduce imports of key vegetables from South Africa, as the government intensifies efforts to strengthen food security and improve domestic agricultural production.
Mozambique’s Minister of Agriculture, Roberto Albino, says Gaza Province has the potential to become a major agricultural production hub capable of reducing the country’s dependence on imported vegetables from neighbouring South Africa.
During a working visit to Massingir Valley Farms in Gaza Province, the minister called for a coordinated effort between government, farmers and agribusinesses to increase domestic production of potatoes, tomatoes, cabbage and onions.
The initiative forms part of Mozambique’s broader strategy to improve agricultural productivity, enhance food security and reduce the country’s food import bill.
Gaza Province Positioned as a Vegetable Production Hub
Speaking to farmers and seed producers in Macarretane, Albino said Mozambique has the resources to significantly expand vegetable production and substitute imports currently sourced from South Africa.
The government aims to increase local production through improved access to quality seed, irrigation infrastructure and commercial farming investment.
Strengthening domestic production is expected to improve food availability, create rural employment and reduce the country’s reliance on imported fresh produce.
Recovery After Flood Damage
The minister praised the recovery of Massingir Valley Farms, which has resumed production across approximately 2,000 hectares after suffering extensive flood damage.
He described the company’s recovery as a demonstration of resilience and stressed the importance of rebuilding agricultural infrastructure capable of withstanding future climate-related disasters.
The government is prioritising more resilient infrastructure as part of its long-term agricultural development strategy.
Expanding Seed Production
During his visit to Guijá District, Albino expressed satisfaction with the progress made through government-supported seed distribution programmes for farmers affected by flooding.
He noted that farmers had effectively utilised the assistance provided, with improved crop performance expected during the second production season.
The minister also identified Guijá as having strong potential to become a regional centre for maize and bean seed production, supporting Mozambique’s broader agricultural value chain and reducing dependence on imported seed.
Investing in Irrigation and Food Security
The government is also working to restore irrigation capacity in the Chókwè and Lower Limpopo irrigation schemes ahead of the 2026/2027 agricultural season.
While reconstruction of damaged infrastructure continues, authorities are prioritising irrigation systems that will enable farmers to maintain production and improve resilience against climate-related shocks.
The government has also reaffirmed its commitment to supporting all flood-affected farmers previously identified under national recovery programmes.
Strengthening Mozambique’s Agricultural Competitiveness
Mozambique’s drive to increase domestic food production reflects a broader regional trend toward improving agricultural self-sufficiency while maintaining open regional trade.
Although reducing import dependence remains a key policy objective, expanding commercial farming, improving irrigation and investing in quality seed production could also create new opportunities for agribusiness investment and agricultural exports over the long term.
As demand for food continues to grow across Southern Africa, investments in productive agricultural regions such as Gaza Province are expected to strengthen Mozambique’s food systems, improve rural incomes and enhance the country’s competitiveness within regional agricultural value chains.