MAPUTO — Mozambique President Armando Guebuza of Mozambique yesterday said the social and economic problems faced by his country will not be solved simply through the exploitation of mineral resources, but through integrating the mining sector with other areas of the economy. Guebuza recognised that the Southern African nation could have a brilliant future thanks to the mineral resources it possesses, and others that may be discovered in the future, but stressed the need to diversify the economy.
He said this would be gradually achieved with diversifying different sectors of the economy arguing the new discoveries of oil, gas, coal and diamonds were not enough for Mozambique.
“The minerals we have discovered will not give their best results immediately,” said Guebuza.
He also stated that it would take time for Mozambique to recover the investments made, citing the benefits surrounding job creation and the taxes paid.
Guebuza said economic blossom would mean benefits, although not at the level that would be desirable.
Boastful about the new set of mineral resources being discovered in the country, Guebuza said over the last decade, Mozambique had maintained an average annual growth rate of between seven and 7,5 per cent.
He said Mozambique used to have a per capita income of US$80 arguing that the per capita income had now surpassed US$400.
“It has been rapid and sustainable growth, which has kept on throughout recent years, and even with the global financial crisis growth has not faltered,” Guebuza said.
He said the country’s latest economic boom was not due simply to coal and natural gas, but cited other initiatives by the stage in creating an economic conducive environment.
“We are growing sustainably without gas, and even without coal,” Guebuza  said.
He also recognised that recent economic growth was not yet reflected in an improved quality of life for Mozambicans.
Guebuza pointed out that, over the last ten years, these services had become more accessible to citizens.
In the recent past, there were parts of the country where people had to walk for 200 kilometres to reach the nearest health post. That maximum distance has now been cut to 40 kilometres, he said. — CAJ News.