Mozambique is calling for increased private sector investment in seed production and agricultural inputs, as the country looks to strengthen domestic capacity following climate-related disruptions.

Speaking at a public-private partnerships (PPP) conference, Agriculture Minister Roberto Albino said recent floods have exposed significant shortfalls in local production, particularly in certified seeds and input supply.

The government currently needs around 170,000 agricultural input kits for affected farmers, but only 20% have been sourced domestically—highlighting a substantial opportunity for investors to enter the market.

“This creates clear opportunities for the private sector to invest in a segment with high demand,” Albino said, adding that authorities are open to engaging investors and fast-tracking support mechanisms.

The minister also urged the reactivation of underutilised public agricultural assets, noting that less than 30% are operational and those in use are functioning below 20% capacity—representing a major inefficiency but also a potential entry point for investment partnerships.

Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) could play a key role, with Albino noting that agribusiness ventures can be launched with investments of under $500,000, particularly as Mozambique reviews its PPP framework to improve transparency and competitiveness.

However, challenges remain. Alvaro Massingue, chairperson of the Confederation of Business Associations (CTA), cautioned that macroeconomic pressures—including foreign currency shortages, rising domestic debt, and business environment volatility—continue to constrain investment.

He added that weak project preparation and slow implementation processes often hinder PPP success, despite strong investor interest.

“It is not a lack of interest that limits investment, but the lack of well-prepared and structured projects,” Massingue said, calling for more strategic, transparent, and results-driven project pipelines.

As Mozambique works to rebuild agricultural resilience, improving project readiness and unlocking private capital will be key to closing supply gaps and boosting productivity in the sector.