MOZAMBIQUE – The Citrus Growers Association of Southern Africa (CGA) and the Mozambique Citrus Association (MCA) have signed a memorandum of understanding to mark the official inclusion of Mozambique in the association.
By joining the CGA, Mozambique citrus farmers will gain access to valuable expertise and support, paving the way for a sustainable and prosperous future.
Tertius Strauss, a Mozambican citrus grower and General Manager of Verdant Produce Mozambique, expressed his enthusiasm about this development.
“This is the start of what will turn out to be an incredible journey,” he said. “A journey that will continue for generations, as we are establishing an enduring citrus industry in Mozambique. At present, it is very small, about 350 hectares, but it has so much potential. Joining the CGA is one of the ways we are getting citrus in Mozambique up and running and onto the global stage.”
The CGA’s support will come in many forms, including technical assistance from Citrus Research International (CRI), advanced training through the Citrus Academy, and increased access to international markets via established CGA channels.
These initiatives are expected to bolster the growth and sustainability of Mozambique’s citrus industry.
Mozambique’s citrus industry, though currently small, shows immense promise. “Even though right now there are only two large citrus farms – one near Maputo and one near Massingir – it is not about the number of growers, but about the future possibilities,” Strauss explained.
“For instance, the orchards at Massingir are only three years old. It employs 150 people at the moment, but when the project is completed, it will provide over 800 jobs.”
The MCA represents a wide range of stakeholders within the citrus industry, all committed to establishing a thriving sector in Mozambique.
Their strategic location near the Port of Maputo is one of the advantages they plan to leverage. Currently, lemons, Valencia oranges, and grapefruit are grown in the southern part of the country.
Regional collaboration
According to Justin Chadwick, the CEO of the CGA, the association already represents over 1,560 growers from South Africa, Eswatini, Zimbabwe, Botswana, and Namibia.
Chadwick expressed his delight in welcoming the MCA. “It is a great pleasure to welcome our Mozambique neighbors. We are now a truly united Southern African industry association. The world appreciates the quality of citrus from our region. This represents immense opportunities for everyone in Southern Africa. By working together, growers across borders can achieve greater efficiency, competitiveness, and profitability.”
The inclusion of Mozambique in the CGA signifies a new chapter for the Southern African citrus industry. With shared resources, knowledge, and market access, the region’s citrus growers are better positioned to thrive in the global market.
This collaboration not only enhances the prospects for Mozambican farmers but also strengthens the entire Southern African citrus sector.
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