Mozambique-09/10

Mozambique is an amazing, but unfortunate country. Almost exactly double the size of Zimbabwe, it is one of the poorest states in the world. It has access to the coast, very fertile land, and brilliant opportunities for tourism-why is it so poor?

I put three reasons-one, colonisation: whilst Zimbabwe and other states benefited hugely from British colonialism, in the form of infrastructure, industry and agriculture, and also a very well organized administration system, the Portuguese colonised Mozambique. One can see just from driving through the country, how disorganized the Portuguese were-houses scattered all over the place, and little sound infrastructure, agriculture and industry.

Linked to this is the second reason, the civil war which raged from 1977 to 1992 between Frelimo and Renamo. This resulted in any expertise to leave the country, many deaths, and of course, huge damage to the economy.

Thirdly, the climate. Being tropical, Mozambique is extremely hot, and because of its low altitude, is very prone to mosquitos and malaria. I feel this plays a massive part in the undevelopment of the country.

So, how to fix it? Eradicate malaria, promote agriculture as an economic base, and open the Beira corridor to the port. In other words, big investment-and I feel there is huge potential, particularly in agriculture.

The eight days spent in Mozambique was fantastic. Maybe it is only unique, to Africa, perhaps I am wrong, but personally, I lose complete sense of time when on holiday in Africa. You put a cossie on in the morning, which is usually about 6.30am when the sun is already burning hot, and all day is spent, boating and tubing, sitting next to the pool with a beer and a book, chatting to mates, or whizzing across to Paradise Island for lunch. It really is relaxation and so important I feel, to completely clear your head and rercharge the batteries for another semester, work etc.

New year was on the beach, and co-incided with a brilliant full moon, and partial eclipse-perhaps this means a good year, or decade for Africa? Time will tell...