The latest central bank report on the balance of payments reveals that Mozambican sugar exports generated $24 million (20.8 million euros) in 2023, increasing to $36 million (31.1 million euros) last year.
“This performance is attributed to the recovery of production following adverse climatic effects in 2023,” the document states.
Mozambique is considered one of the countries most severely affected by climate change globally, cyclically experiencing floods and tropical cyclones during the rainy season, which occurs between October and April.
The 2018/2019 rainy season was one of the most severe on record, with 714 fatalities, including 648 victims of cyclones Idai and Kenneth, two of the largest ever to hit the country.
Sofala province, located in the central region, has been especially battered by storms.
Previous reports highlighted that sugar production at the Mafambisse Sugar Mill in Sofala province, a major sugar hub in Mozambique, was declining due to the combined effects of weather disturbances and climate change, according to the administration.
Another factor contributing to the significant production drop in previous years was the loss of approximately 8,000 hectares of sugarcane, the raw material for sugar production, due to climate change impacts in Nhamatanda.
Situated in the Mafambisse administrative post, in the Dondo district, this mill has an installed capacity to produce 92,000 tons of sugar annually.
Tongaat Hulett recently announced an injection of 500 million rands (25 million euros) into the Mafambisse and Xinavane sugar mills, both located in Mozambique and in which the South African group holds a majority stake.
