Mozambique: Integrated Development in the Zambezi Valley
The Lower Zambezi Valley in Mozambique is one of the poorest regions in the world, but the economic potential of the valley can have transformative impacts on the development of the country. The natural resource wealth of the Lower Zambezi has the capacity to benefit both investors and local communities. The challenge is in translating the extractive industry investments into broader, sustained development in the region and throughout the country.
The Vale Columbia Center on Sustainable International Investment submitted a comprehensive and collaborative framework for achieving resource-based development in the Lower Zambezi Valley to the Mozambican government in June 2011, drafted with the support of several CGSD staff members. The framework was accepted by the government, and CGSD, in partnership with the Vale Columbia Center, will continue to play a lead advisory role as the project transitions into the next phase of implementation.
The project involves multi-year engagement with government officials, private sector leaders, civil society, international organizations and partners, and local communities. The ultimate objective of the project is to achieve sustained and inclusive economic development in the region and to create a transferable model for achieving resource-based social and economic growth in other parts of the world.