Italy is making a coordinated push into Mozambique's tourism investment, expanding its economic presence beyond hydrocarbons. The Mozambique-Italy Chamber of Commerce president, Simone Santi, confirmed the commitment on November 6, 2026. The Italian Embassy, Italian Trade Agency, and the chamber will jointly organise a business mission in 2027 to increase Italy's presence in the tourism sector. This move marks a significant shift in Italy's strategy, as its capital in Mozambique has historically been limited to individual coastal operators.
A special economic zone dedicated to tourism was established at the first Mozambique Tourism Summit in November 2025 and formalised under Decree No. 56/2026. The zone spans six districts, including Vilankulo, Inhassoro, and Massinga, offering fiscal incentives, reserved land, and priority repatriation of dividends to approved projects. This framework is expected to attract institutional investors, who require a structured environment before committing capital. The zone has already identified around 2,500 hectares of concession land.
Mozambique's tourism sector has attracted significant investment, with over $1.1 billion invested between 2018 and 2022, making it the third-largest destination for investment in the country during that period. The sector is expected to grow further, with a projected investment mobilisation target of $350-500 million in the Inhambane province. Italian Ambassador Gabrielle Annis emphasised the importance of increasing Italy's presence in the sector, citing the country's existing cultural and commercial footprint along Mozambique's coast.
Italian operators already have a significant presence in Mozambique's coastal regions, with beach resorts in the south, properties near Pemba in the north, and numerous restaurants and tourism installations. Santi described this presence as both cultural and commercial, citing a significant "cultural contamination" along the coast. He also noted a record number of visitor requests, stating that "never as much as this year have we had so many requests from tourists to come."
One of the concrete enabling projects for Mozambique's tourism sector is the development of a hyperbaric chamber. Decompression sickness is a significant occupational hazard in dive tourism, and Mozambique's extensive coastline and reef systems require adequate medical infrastructure. Santi highlighted the need for such infrastructure, stating that "some infrastructure is missing, and that is where we, as entrepreneurs, can carry out projects that work commercially and that support the other tourism institutions and hotels."
The development of Mozambique's tourism sector is crucial for the country's economic growth, with the sector expected to attract significant investment in the coming years. The Italian business mission in 2027 aims to tap into this potential, with a focus on increasing investment in the sector. Santi's announcement signals a material shift in Italy's strategy, as the country seeks to expand its economic presence beyond hydrocarbons.
The Rovuma Basin, where Italian-linked investment stands at around $50 billion, remains a significant area of focus for Italy's economic presence in Mozambique. However, the country's tourism sector offers new opportunities for growth and investment. With its pristine coastline, islands, and reef systems, Mozambique is well-positioned to attract dive tourists and other visitors. The development of necessary infrastructure, such as the hyperbaric chamber, will be crucial in unlocking the sector's potential.
Key points
- Italy to lead business mission to Mozambique in 2027 to increase investment in tourism sector
- Mozambique's tourism sector has attracted over $1.1 billion in investment between 2018 and 2022
- A special economic zone dedicated to tourism has been established in Mozambique, offering fiscal incentives and reserved land to approved projects
