Paper short abstract:

Mozambique, for decades identified as an exception on the continent to the traditional possession of wealth in energy resources, has recently changed this pattern. This new situation is opening up interesting and unprecedented discussion on possible paths to development in the country.

Paper long abstract:

Africa has historically been regarded as a continent rich in raw materials, in particular, energy resources. Consequently, the role of many African economies has been as primary exporters, meaning that they occupy a dependent position in the world economy as primary producers. An important part of the literature on this theme adopts the notion of 'the resource curse' as a way of assessing this kind of economic activity. Advocates of this position have looked for case studies in African countries. Discussion on this subject has become increasingly polarised in recent years with the discovery of new energy resources from non-traditional African producers and the sharp increase in the demand for their energy products by various emerging countries, adding to the already high demand from the countries of the North.

Mozambique, for decades identified as an exception on the continent to the traditional possession of wealth in energy resources, has recently changed this pattern, starting ambitious exploration and exploitation projects for several energy resources (principally coal, gas and oil). This new situation is opening up interesting and unprecedented discussion on possible paths to development in the country. This discussion assesses whether the growing influx of both Northern and Southern foreign energy companies, and the government's policies to attract them and regulate their activities, can bring substantial benefits both to those concerned in the energy sectors and to the Mozambican population as a whole.