Mozambique has initiated construction on its first electronics assembly facility, marking a significant step towards the country’s long-term ambition of technological self-reliance and industrial diversification. The project, spearheaded by the Mozambican technology firm MSource, broke ground earlier this month at the Beluluane Industrial Park, situated in Matola near Maputo, according to reports from Diário Económico.
Valued at approximately US$3 million, the one-hectare site will house two semi-automatic assembly lines, two packaging lines, a testing laboratory and international quality certification facilities. The initial phase of production is expected to yield around 80,000 units per month, including mobile phones and smartphones, with laptops anticipated in subsequent stages. The project is projected to create 160 direct jobs and a substantial number of indirect employment opportunities, prioritising the training of young Mozambicans in technical fields.
During the groundbreaking ceremony, Minister of Communications Américo Muchanga described the project as a tangible expression of Mozambique’s aspiration to move from being a consumer of imported technologies to a producer of its own. “From this factory, other factories will emerge in our country, placing Mozambique in a position that is not merely that of a consumer of technology, but also a producer of that technology,” Muchanga stated, situating the development within the government’s broader industrialisation and economic transformation strategy.
Representing MSource, Francisco Chate highlighted that the initiative seeks to address two pressing challenges: the nation’s heavy dependence on imported mobile devices and the widespread use of counterfeit phones. He noted that the company anticipates reducing imports of low-quality and counterfeit equipment by approximately 14 percent annually while improving consumer access to reliable and affordable technology.
Onório Manuel, General Director of MozParks, which manages the Beluluane Industrial Park, characterised the occasion as “a historic moment” in the evolution of Mozambique’s industrial landscape. He emphasised the wider regional implications of electronics manufacturing, pointing to its potential to nurture a skilled workforce, foster innovation and strengthen regional supply chains across Southern Africa.
The factory’s primary equipment is expected to become operational within six to eight months. Future expansion phases envisage extending production capacity to 300,000 units per month, diversifying into additional electronic devices and introducing dormitory facilities if operations transition to a continuous 24-hour schedule.
Chate reaffirmed MSource’s commitment to Mozambique’s development, positioning the venture as a cornerstone in building the country’s reputation as a technological hub within the Southern African region. “Building this factory is a testament to MSource’s commitment to the development of Mozambique and Southern Africa. This pioneering project will meet domestic market needs and position the country as a technological hub in the region,” he said.
While the project reflects national aspirations for self-sufficiency, it also aligns with broader continental efforts to strengthen Africa’s industrial capacity and reduce structural dependence on imported goods. Similar initiatives across Africa signal an emerging pattern of local value creation, with Mozambique’s move adding momentum to a wider regional push towards sustainable industrialisation and knowledge-based economies.
