BCL showcases vision for 2035: 10 thousand SMEs in the value chains and 2 million Mozambicans with income opportunities

At the Africa Gas & LNG Summit, the Bureau of Local Content (BCL) highlighted three priorities for turning major investments into business opportunities: accessible financing, capacity building and business partnerships.

To integrate 10,000 small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) into the value chains of strategic sectors and help create income opportunities for two million Mozambicans by 2035 is the goal shared by the Bureau of Local Content (BCL) of the Confederation of Economic Associations of Mozambique (CTA) during the Africa Gas & LNG Summit.

As Mozambique prepares for the new cycle of major investments, BCL advocates a practical approach to Local Content, focused on preparing national companies, ensuring access to finance and forging commercial ties with major operators.

This vision was presented by Amahoro Lins, responsible for Business Development and Project Management, representing BCL, during the panel discussion “Opportunities for Africa’s SMEs and Entrepreneurs.”

“The Bureau aims to mobilize companies, financial institutions and development partners to accelerate and coordinate initiatives that will help turn this vision into concrete results for the Mozambican economy,” said Amahoro Lins.

From suppliers identification to the creation of competitive businesses

To take advantage of opportunities presented by large-scale projects, SMEs need to meet high standards of quality, safety and performance. The Bureau advocates for supplier development programs that combine hands-on training, mentoring, early access to procurement plans and support in preparing for tenders.

But the responsibility does not lie solely with institutions and large operators. Companies themselves also need to invest in their growth by improving their management, training workforce and acquiring skills, equipment and certifications.

Nigeria’s experience offers an important lesson: the development of national suppliers requires support programs, access to finance and investment by the companies themselves in their capabilities.

The solution lies in transforming registered suppliers into competitive companies capable of winning contracts and executing them successfully.

Making financing more accessible to Mozambican SMEs

The BCL highlights the potential of supply chain finance, which can facilitate access to capital based on contracts, orders, or invoices, thereby reducing reliance on traditional collateral. In this context, the Bureau has been promoting discussions with financial institutions and development partners to identify solutions that are more accessible and better suited to national SMEs. The priority is to ensure that companies have the resources to purchase materials, hire workers and fulfill the contracts they have secured.
Strategic partnerships to build national capacity

The Bureau advocates strengthening commercial ties between Mozambican SMEs, major operators, contractors and international suppliers. Through partnerships and joint ventures, national companies can tap into new markets, gain experience and develop technical and management skills. These partnerships should focus on knowledge transfer and leveraging the capabilities already present in Mozambican companies, enabling them to meet the demands of new sectors and play an increasingly significant role in supply chains.

Local content goes beyond oil and gas

Opportunities for Mozambican companies extend beyond oil and gas. BCL’s vision for 2035 also encompasses mining, agriculture, industry, infrastructure and services. The goal is to create the conditions for more national companies to operate in various industries, enter new markets and grow beyond large-scale projects.

In this sense, the Bureau intends to accelerate and coordinate business development initiatives and align SME support programs with real business opportunities. This work also involves promoting partnerships and socioeconomic development initiatives that generate jobs and income for Mozambicans.

About the Bureau de Conteúdo Local (Bureau of Local Content)

The Bureau de Conteúdo Local is a specialized division of the Confederation of Economic Associations (CTA) dedicated to promoting Mozambican participation in the country’s economic growth. It serves as the operational office of CTA’s Local Content mandate, ensuring that national companies, workers and communities directly benefit from industrial and natural resource development. Working across key sectors, such as energy, mining, manufacturing and infrastructure, the Bureau supports job creation, business development and supplier integration. Its initiatives link national enterprises with large-scale investments, promote access to finance and strengthen collaboration between government, industry and local communities.

For more information, please visit our website or contact us at:  conteudo.local@bcl.org.mz