Cloud Atlas CEO: Why you should be excited about Mozambique

Maurice Madiba, the CEO of Cloud Atlas, recently sat down with CNBC Africa to discuss the exciting investment opportunities present in Mozambique. The focus of the conversation was on the $23 billion liquefied natural gas project that is set to make Mozambique the largest producer and exporter of gas in Africa. The potential economic impact of this project is enormous, with the possibility of the initial investment growing to close to $100 billion over time. This growth could revolutionize the Mozambican economy, creating opportunities in various sectors and attracting foreign investors. Madiba emphasized the uniqueness of Mozambique, highlighting its Portuguese-speaking population and extensive coastline, which supports a thriving fishing industry. He also mentioned the potential for downstream businesses in the oil and gas sector to flourish as a result of the gas project. Madiba's optimism about Mozambique's future was evident throughout the interview, as he painted a picture of a country on the brink of significant development and growth. He mentioned the involvement of countries like Brazil in the Mozambican market and the potential for the property sector to benefit from the infrastructure developments associated with the gas project. Madiba praised Mozambique's potential to become a leader in gas exports on the continent and highlighted the role it could play in addressing power and energy challenges in neighboring countries. When discussing ways for investors to access the Mozambican market, Madiba pointed to Africa-focused exchange-traded funds (ETFs) as a viable option. While acknowledging the current limitations of Mozambique's stock market, he suggested that as the market matures and more projects come online, opportunities for direct investment in Mozambique will increase. Madiba referenced Grid Income Group, a company invested in the Mozambican property sector, as a way for investors to gain exposure to Mozambique's growth. He emphasized the importance of creating more accessible investment opportunities for local Africans, citing challenges related to data availability and investment platforms. Madiba highlighted the need for institutional support to make investing in Africa more inclusive and emphasized the role of technology in bridging the gap. He also addressed common concerns such as currency risks, market volatility, and talent acquisition challenges in the African business landscape. Overall, Madiba's message was one of optimism and encouragement for investors looking to tap into Mozambique's burgeoning potential.