The graphite factory in Nipepe, in the Niassa province, emerges at a time when Mozambique faces the dual challenge of diversifying its production base and breaking with the historical pattern of dependence on low value-added primary exports. Since 2018, the country has consolidated itself as one of the largest African producers of graphite, mainly due to the Balama megaproject in Cabo Delgado, operated by Syrah Resources. However, between 2019 and 2023, more than 90% of Mozambican graphite was exported as raw concentrate, with minimal processing within the national territory, limiting the capture of internal value, the creation of industrial capacities, and local production chain development. |
