Mozambique: Peaceful elections expected – country to maintain rapid growth

Mozambique expects a peaceful presidential and general elections in October to maintain its image as a country that is experiencing rapid economic growth and a popular tourist destination.

Mozambique, the site of the world’s biggest natural gas discovery in the past decade, is investing heavily in roads, bridges and railway lines to diversify its economy and attract both local and foreign investment. Since the end of the country’s 17-year civil war in 1992 visitors had increasingly flocked to sunbathe on Indian Ocean beaches and feast on seafood.

A peaceful run-up to the presidential vote could help increase tourism revenue by as much as 35 percent to US$300 million in 2014 from the previous year. Investment in the industry may rise to as much as US$900 million in 2014 from about US$800 million last year.

Mozambique’s ruling Frelimo party picked Defense Minister Filipe Nyussi on March 2 as its presidential nominee for the October elections to replace President Armando Guebuza, who will step down after completing two terms in office.