The Ministry of Economy of Mozambique announced on March 17, 2026, that investors from the United Arab Emirates have expressed interest in establishing a gold refinery in the country. The proposal was presented during a meeting in Maputo between the Minister of Economy, Basílio Muhate, and representatives of the Arab-Mozambican Chamber of Commerce (CCAM) .
🏭 The Gold Refinery Project
The planned gold refinery is designed as an industrial purification facility that will process raw or recycled gold into high-purity gold, utilizing modern technology and international certification standards . This initiative aligns with Mozambique’s goal of adding value to its mineral resources domestically.
🤝 Additional Investment Interests
Beyond the gold refinery, the UAE investors also expressed interest in diversifying into other key sectors of Mozambique’s economy, including :
- Agriculture and the food industry
- Fisheries
These sectors are considered fundamental for economic diversification and job creation in the country .
📈 Context on Gold Production in Mozambique
The investment proposal comes at a significant time for Mozambique’s gold sector. The country’s gold production fell by 17% in 2025 to 1,349 tonnes, missing its target due to the suspension of extraction activities in the Manica province over environmental concerns . The government expects production to rebound, projecting a record output of more than 1,723 tonnes in 2026 .
This announcement follows a broader trend of growing economic cooperation, as a group of Arab business leaders visited Mozambique in February 2026 to explore opportunities in sectors like energy, digital transformation, and mining .
💎 Strategic Significance
The government views this meeting as a step to strengthen economic cooperation between Mozambique and the United Arab Emirates, opening new opportunities for the country’s industrial development . If realized, the refinery would represent a move towards processing minerals locally rather than exporting them in raw form.
I hope this detailed overview is helpful for your understanding of this investment proposal. Are you interested in other recent developments in Mozambique’s mining or energy sectors?
