Mozambican President Daniel Chapo has inaugurated a new slaughterhouse and sausage production facility in Macate District, Manica Province, as part of efforts to strengthen domestic food production and reduce dependence on imported meat products.

The facility, known as the Planalto Fresh Produce Agro-Industrial Complex, was developed at a cost of 200 million meticais (approximately US$3.1 million) and is designed to process up to 100 animals per day while producing eight tonnes of sausages daily.

Located on a one-hectare site, the complex currently employs 31 workers, including 11 women. Its production is primarily targeted at the domestic market, with the objective of reducing imports of pork and processed meat products while supporting local livestock value chains.

Speaking during a three-day working visit to Manica Province, President Chapo emphasized the importance of increasing agricultural production to strengthen food security and reduce vulnerability to global economic shocks.

He noted that rising fuel prices and broader international economic pressures have contributed to higher costs for basic goods, making local food production increasingly important for household resilience.

According to the President, expanding agricultural output remains one of the most effective ways to reduce dependence on imports and improve economic stability.

He encouraged citizens to make greater use of Mozambique’s extensive arable land resources to produce food crops and agricultural commodities that can meet domestic demand.

Chapo highlighted crops such as tomatoes, onions, cabbage and other staple foods as products that can be produced locally rather than imported, helping lower food costs for consumers while creating economic opportunities in rural communities.

The new agro-industrial complex forms part of broader efforts to promote value addition within Mozambique’s agricultural sector by linking primary production with processing industries. Such investments are expected to create employment, improve market access for livestock producers and strengthen national food systems.

Agriculture remains a key pillar of Mozambique’s economy, employing a large share of the population and contributing significantly to rural livelihoods. Government officials have increasingly emphasized agro-processing investments as a means of reducing food imports, improving value retention within the country and supporting economic diversification.

The launch of the Planalto Fresh Produce Agro-Industrial Complex reflects Mozambique’s ongoing strategy to expand domestic production capacity while building stronger agricultural and livestock value chains.