Mozambique: Inhambane attracts Greek investment in tourism

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Mozambique: Inhambane attracts Greek investment in tourism

12:02 CAT | 02 May 2025

Photo: O País

The provincial executive of Inhambane and the Mozambique-Greece Chamber of Commerce signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) in Maputo on Wednesday, which marks the beginning of a joint effort to transform the province into a tourist destination of excellence.

The ceremony was attended by Francisco Pagula, governor of Inhambane, and Gerry Marketos, Honorary Consul General of Greece in Mozambique. On the occasion, Pagula highlighted the importance of the partnership to attract investments, train human resources and create jobs.

According to the governor, the province of Inhambane presents favourable conditions for the development of tourism, with the potential to generate significant economic and social benefits.

“We believe that this partnership can transform the reality of Inhambane, making it an example of success in the tourism sector,” stated Pagula, highlighting that the MoU provides for foreign investment and also the strengthening of infrastructure and the valorization of local human resources.

Gerry Marketos, representative of the Mozambique-Greece Chamber of Commerce, reinforced the commitment of Greek investors to the sustainable development of the province.

“Inhambane has unique tourism potential, which can attract large-scale investments. Our experience in the tourism sector will be used to create a model adapted to local needs,” he explained. For him, the initiative includes actions aimed at promoting cultural and economic exchanges.

One of the priorities of the MoU is professional training, especially for young people, preparing them to enter the job market in the tourism sector.

The provincial governor explained that training programs are planned for tourist guides, managers and small entrepreneurs.

“Training is the foundation to ensure that the benefits of tourism are lasting and inclusive,” Pagula added.

Marketos also stressed that the inclusion of local communities is one of the pillars of the project.

“We want to ensure that everyone, from local artisans to large tour operators, can benefit from this development,” he said. The idea is to create a tourism ecosystem that involves different socio-economic actors, promoting sustainability.

Despite his optimism, the governor acknowledged that there are still significant challenges to be faced, such as improving infrastructure and increasing accessibility to key tourist areas.

He also pointed out that building and rehabilitating roads, expanding the electricity grid and improving health and safety services will be crucial to attracting investors.

For Marketos, Greece’s experience in overcoming similar challenges could make a significant contribution. He says that Greek investors are already prepared to work on projects that combine innovation and social responsibility, ensuring that the solutions proposed have a positive and lasting impact.

Inhambane is widely known for its beaches such as Tofo, Barra and Vilankulo, which attract tourists from all over the world. In addition, the province has a rich historical and cultural heritage, with strong Arab and Portuguese influences, which can be exploited to diversify the tourism offering.

This initiative aims to position the province as a reference destination not only for leisure tourism, but also for ecotourism and cultural tourism.

According to Pagula, “the objective is to transform Inhambane into a reference in the international market, highlighting not only its natural beauty, but also the hospitality and culture of its communities”. To this end, promotional campaigns in international markets and the creation of partnerships with global tour operators are planned.

The MoU also aims to generate significant impacts on the local economy, with the creation of hundreds of direct and indirect jobs.

It is estimated that the implementation of the planned projects could double the tourism sector in Inhambane’s contribution to the province’s gross domestic product in the next five years.

Furthermore, the partnership aims to increase the number of foreign visitors, diversify the offer of tourism services and promote sustainable practices that respect the environment and local communities. The expectation is that, with the consolidation of the planned actions, Inhambane will become an example of integrated development, capable of inspiring other regions of Mozambique.

The MoU is seen as a joint commitment to improving the quality of life of local communities and strengthening the regional economy by transforming the tourism sector in Inhambane.

Source: O País