Guiding economic transformation in Mozambique

A major energy project in northern Mozambique offers a historic investment and national opportunity to boost the economy and social inclusion. Navigating conflict and community concerns is complex. The energy company engaged Africa Practice for local insight to move forward thoughtfully and build trust.

Challenge: A project that carries big hopes

The discovery of natural gas in northern Mozambique presented a unique opportunity. This large-scale energy investment promised more than just resource extraction. It offered a chance to boost economic growth, create jobs, and bring development to a region long separated from the country’s broader progress. However, this promise came with significant hurdles.

The area had endured years of insecurity and conflict. This created an environment of uncertainty and concern among local communities. Therefore, it was crucial to understand how these realities would affect the project’s success. The energy company also needed to know how to responsibly engage with those whose lives would be impacted. To navigate this complex situation, the energy company sought Africa Practice’s expertise. Their goal was to proceed with care, insight, and trust.

Approach: Connecting the dots across the continent

Africa Practice was tasked with analysing the project’s complex political, social, and security landscape. We began by meticulously mapping stakeholders. This involved identifying key players at various levels, including national government officials, regional authorities, traditional leaders, and civil society organisations. As a result, we could map both formal and informal networks of influence. This also allowed us to understand power dynamics and gauge diverse perspectives on the project’s implications.

Simultaneously, we rigorously assessed the security context. We recognised how ongoing instability affected both operational risks and community sentiment. Our analysis included tracking recent conflict patterns and examining the role of security forces in establishing a stable environment for investment and engagement. Importantly, we incorporated input from civil society groups, even those critical of the project. This ensured a balanced understanding of environmental and human rights concerns. This multifaceted approach highlighted a crucial point: successful project implementation requires more than just capital investment. It demands transparency, inclusivity, and social license to operate.

Drawing on these insights, we developed a customised engagement strategy. It focused on effective communication and building trust with diverse stakeholders. We advised on risk mitigation measures and prepared the company to adapt to various political and social scenarios. In parallel, we helped design a regional development framework. This ensured that project benefits would contribute to broader infrastructure development, local economic participation, and alignment with national development priorities.

Outcome: From project delivery to shared value

We equipped the company with a more nuanced understanding of the political and social dynamics shaping the operating environment. This insight led to more strategic engagement with local communities and stakeholders. Ultimately, it strengthened relationships and fostered greater trust. Consequently, the company shifted from a narrow, project-focused mindset to a broader shared value approach. They recognised that long-term success depends on delivering both commercial and community benefits.

Our work also enhanced the company’s ability to anticipate and respond to political, social, and reputational risks through structured scenario planning. At the same time, this process helped inform a wider regional development vision. This vision focused on inclusive growth and sustainable outcomes that extend far beyond the project site.

Key Takeaway: Ambition must meet accountability

High-impact projects in complex environments carry significant responsibility. Earning trust is not a one-time effort; it requires consistent, long-term engagement, open communication, and demonstrable follow-through. Sustainable success hinges on aligning national development ambitions with local priorities. This ensures communities are not just consulted but meaningfully involved. Only by embedding inclusion and accountability at the heart of project delivery can investment translate into lasting, equitable impact for both the business and the region where it operates.

Capabilities

• Political economy analysis
• Political, economic, security and other market risk assessment
• Stakeholder mapping
• Partner identification and profiling
• Scenario-based planning