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Economy of Mozambique

Currently, Mozambique is one of the fastest growing African economies - in 2013, it reported a GDP growth of 7%. Much of this rapid growth is attributed to the extraction of natural resources. In 2011, the nation exported its first batch of coal from the province of Tete and has since become one of the top coal producers on the planet. In 2012, growth was further spurred by the discovery of natural gas off the northernmost shores of the country.

A flux of foreign investment and urban development is rapidly changing the landscape of this post-war country, and there are growing concerns about the government's ability to properly manage the transition.

In spite of this growth, prosperity in Mozambique is far from even. 80% of the population continues to work in agriculture, where there is a focus on the production and export of fish, sugar, cashews, cotton and timber. Local employment in the newly emerging resource industries has been extremely limited. The manufacturing sector remains grossly under-developed, and the tourism industry has struggled to rebound following the civil war. Furthermore, steady growth has been thwarted by a series of large floods in the central region.

There is also a considerable volunteer network. Local and international organizations have attracted many international volunteers to Mozambique. Volunteer placements occur in cities and rural areas, and across many sectors. Further information can be found in the next section on 'Volunteering in Mozambique'.

Economy of Maputo

Maputo's economy revolves around the nation's central harbor. The city manages the country's primary exports (cotton, sugar, chromite, sisal, copra and hardwood), and is responsible for the vast majority of imports. Maputo also produces cement, pottery, furniture, shoes and rubber - and it is slated to become a major producer of solar panels in the coming years.