Mozambique creates Special Golf Tourism Zone in Inhambane province

The decision was approved during a Council of Ministers meeting held on Tuesday in Maputo and announced by government spokesperson Inocêncio Impissa, who described it as “a strategic decision of great importance” aimed at positioning Mozambique “in one of the most promising global value chains linked to high-value international tourism, the blue economy, attracting international investment and sustainable growth” of national gross domestic product (GDP). The spokesperson said the project will initially cover areas in the districts of Vilankulo, Inhassoro, Massinga, Jangamo, Zavala and Govuro, in Inhambane province, with the possibility of later expansion to other districts yet to be identified. The government intends for the initiative to become a specialised tourism development hub linked to high-income segments and capable of attracting private investment in tourism infrastructure, real estate, leisure facilities and related services.

In July, Inhambane Governor Francisco Pagula told Lusa that the province expects construction of its first golf course to begin this year, through a private investment of US$5 million (€4.3 million), with a second project under discussion. “The first one will already start this year,” Pagula said, adding that the US$5 million (€4.3 million) investment also includes restaurants and other related components. According to the governor, discussions are under way with another investor on a second golf course project, with construction expected to begin this year.

“We currently have two major groups that have already shown interest and are already in the province. We are now at the stage of processing the necessary procedures. This is the beginning, but as you know, we will have the ‘Summit 2026’ [international tourism conference in Inhambane] taking place this year.

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We believe that, with this summit, more investors may express interest in investing in golf tourism in our province,” he said. The province is also identifying additional locations for golf courses as part of wider efforts to boost tourism development. “These are world-class infrastructures. If we want to become a reference in the region and in the world, we need infrastructure that allows us to compete and, one day, host major golf tournaments,” Pagula said.

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