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Gaza Province
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Bilene Beach

Key Information

Gaza is a province of Mozambique. It has an area of 75,709 km2[2] and a population of 1,422,460 (2017 census), which is the least populous of all the provinces of Mozambique.[3] Xai-Xai is the capital of the province.

It borders Inhambane Province is to the east, Manica Province to the north, Maputo Province to the south, South Africa to the west, and Zimbabwe to the northwest.

History

[edit]

The province gets its name from the Gaza Empire, named after the grandfather of the First Monarch of the Gaza Empire, Soshangane. His great-grandson, Ngungunhane, known as “Lion of Gaza” was the last emperor of the Gaza Empire and the final monarch of the Nxumalo dynasty. Portuguese emissaries attempted to have him sign treaties recognizing Portugal's sovereignty in the region in 1885. Ngungunhane, however, refused to sign these treaties. On November 7, 1895, a direct confrontation between the Portuguese and Ngungunhane's forces took place in Coolela, leading to Ngungunhane fleeing to Chaimite for refuge.[4]

The territories of the Gaza Empire are now ruled by Mozambique, South Africa and Zimbabwe. The province correlates roughly to the portion of the empire that is within the borders of Mozambique.

Geography

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Pied crows (Corvus albus) in a coconut palm, close to Xai-Xai, Gaza Province

Most of the province lies in the basin of the Limpopo River, which runs from northwest to southeast through the province, emptying into the Indian Ocean near Xai-Xai. The Changane River, a tributary of the Limpopo, forms part of the province's eastern boundary. The Rio dos Elefantes (Olifants River) flows into the province from the west through the Massingir Dam, to empty into the Limpopo.

The Save River forms the northern boundary of the province.

The Limpopo railway, which connects Zimbabwe and Botswana to the port of Maputo, runs through the province, entering Zimbabwe at the border town of Chicualacuala.

The province, including the towns of Xai-Xai and Chokwe, were greatly affected by the 2000 Mozambique flood amid the month-long heavy rainfall accompanying Cyclone Leon-Eline.

Limpopo National Park lies within the province, bounded by the Olifants and Limpopo rivers and the South African border. Banhine National Park lies in the east-central portion of the province. The Great Limpopo Transfrontier Park and its associated conservation area, which is in the process of being formed, will cover the northern part of the province, including both national parks, and extend into adjacent parts of Mozambique, South Africa, and Zimbabwe.

Districts

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The province was created on October 20, 1954, when Sul do Save District was divided into the districts of Gaza, Inhambane, and Lourenço Marques (later renamed Maputo). In 1978, Mozambique's districts were renamed provinces.

Gaza Province is divided into 14 districts:

and the municipalities of:

Limpopo District is one of the 14 Districts of Gaza Province. It was carved out of the existing district of Xai-Xai and the District of Bilene Macia in 2016, stretching from the Administrative Post of Chissano to its south and north of the city of Macia on the national EN 1 highway. It includes Administrative Posts of Licilo, Chicumbane and others. To the north, it borders the provincial capital city of Xai Xai on the bank of Limpopo River. The districts lies in the Limpopo Basin.

Economy

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The province of Gaza is practically rural. It has no industrial economic activities of note. Subsistence farming is the order of the day.[5]

Transport

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The province is served by the national EN 1 highway.

Population

[edit]

The province has approximately 1,422,460 (as of the 2017 census), with its largest city of Xai-Xai having a population of 116,343.

People and education

[edit]

The province is inhabited by the Shangaan people. The dominant languages are Shangaan and Portuguese.

Forty percent of the population can read and write. Education in the Gaza province still requires massive investment. Many students still study under the trees.

In February 2025, USAID condoms were falsely reported to have been sent to Gaza Strip whereupon fact-checkers confirmed that the condoms were being sent to the Gaza Province.[6]

Demographics

[edit]
Historical population
YearPop.±% p.a.
1980990,900—    
19971,116,903+0.71%
20071,236,284+1.02%
20171,422,460+1.41%
source:[7]

See also

[edit]

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Gaza Province

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
Gaza Province is a province in southern , encompassing a coastal region along the and extending inland to border , with an area of 75,709 square kilometers and a of 1,388,039 as recorded in the 2017 national census conducted by the Instituto Nacional de Estatística (INE). It is the least populous of Mozambique's 11 provinces, characterized by a low of 18.33 inhabitants per square kilometer, and its capital and largest is , located near the coast. The province's geography features a mix of sandy coastal plains, woodlands, and river valleys, notably the fertile basin, which supports but also exposes the area to frequent flooding and cyclones. Gaza is administratively divided into 11 , including Chibuto, Chókwè, and Manjacaze, covering diverse ecosystems from beaches to national parks. Demographically, the is predominantly rural (over 80%), with a youthful structure typical of , where employs the majority and contributes significantly to local livelihoods through subsistence farming and cash crops like , , and cashew nuts. Economically, Gaza relies heavily on smallholder agriculture, bolstered by major irrigation schemes such as the 25,000-hectare Chokwé system in the Limpopo Valley, which enhances food security but faces challenges from climate variability and infrastructure degradation. Emerging sectors include tourism, drawn to attractions like the pristine beaches of Bilene and the biodiversity of Limpopo National Park, which shares a border with Kruger National Park in South Africa, promoting cross-border conservation efforts. The province's strategic location also supports limited trade and fishing activities along its 200-kilometer coastline.

Geography and Climate

Location and Borders

Gaza Province is situated in southern , encompassing an area of 75,709 km², which ranks it among the country's larger provinces by land area. Despite its size, it is the least populous province, with a 2017 of 1,422,460 and a low density of approximately 19 inhabitants per km². The province lies within the broader southern region of , contributing to key economic linkages such as the Maputo Development Corridor, a major connecting southern , including Gaza, to South Africa's industrial areas via improved road, rail, and port infrastructure. The province's borders define its strategic position: to the north, it adjoins Inhambane Province; to the west, it shares boundaries with and ; to the south, it meets Maputo Province and the Republic of , where the serves as a natural boundary for much of the international frontier. To the east, Gaza Province fronts the , providing access to maritime trade and coastal resources. Xai-Xai serves as the provincial capital and administrative center, located at coordinates 25°03′S 33°38′E, facilitating governance, commerce, and connectivity to the rest of .

Physical Features

Gaza Province is situated within the basin, encompassing major rivers such as the , which forms the southern boundary and flows eastward into the , the Changane as a key tributary joining the near Chibuto, the Shingwedzi originating from and traversing the province's western regions. These waterways contribute to fertile alluvial floodplains, though the province remains vulnerable to periodic flooding from the . The terrain of Gaza Province consists predominantly of flat coastal plains along the eastern seaboard, transitioning westward to low hills and undulating landscapes near the borders with and , with elevations generally below 500 meters. Sand dunes characterize the coastal zones, particularly around and Bilene, while extensive wetlands and seasonal marshes form along river courses and in depressions, supporting diverse aquatic habitats. The soils vary from sandy coastal types to more fertile loams in riverine areas, with mopane-dominated savannas covering much of the interior. Protected areas form a significant portion of the province's landscape, including Limpopo National Park, covering approximately 9,260 km² in the northwest across Massingir, Mabalane, and Chicualacuala districts, and Banhine National Park, spanning about 7,250 km² in the central-northern region near Chigubo district. These parks are integral to the , a 35,000 km² conservation area shared with in and Gonarezhou National Park in , facilitating wildlife migration across borders. The province's thrives in ecosystems, with Limpopo and Banhine hosting reintroduced populations of , lions, buffalo, and various species, alongside birdlife in lagoons and floodplains. These areas feature woodland s dominated by trees and acacias, fostering habitats that hold potential through wildlife viewing and habitat restoration efforts.

Climate and Natural Hazards

Gaza Province features a , classified as Aw in the Köppen-Geiger system, characterized by hot and humid conditions year-round. Average temperatures typically range between 22°C and 30°C, with higher daytime peaks during the reaching up to 31°C in coastal areas like . The region experiences distinct seasonal patterns, with a from November to delivering the majority of annual , estimated at 800–1,200 mm across the province. This period accounts for about 80% of the rainfall, supporting agricultural activities but also contributing to heightened flood risks. In contrast, the from to brings minimal , often below 50 mm per month, leading to arid conditions particularly in the interior. Gaza Province is highly vulnerable to natural hazards, including cyclones, floods, droughts, and rising sea levels, exacerbated by its coastal location and the influence of the on flood dynamics. The devastating floods of 2000, triggered by prolonged heavy rainfall and successive cyclones, severely impacted and surrounding districts, submerging large areas and displacing thousands of residents. Similar flooding events in 2013, caused by the overflow of the following intense rains, again affected and nearby communities, leading to widespread inundation. The 2019 cyclone season, marked by Idai, brought additional heavy rains and flooding to southern , compounding risks in Gaza despite the storm's primary impact in central regions. Droughts pose a significant threat in the province's interior districts, such as Chicualacuala and Massangena, where irregular rainfall patterns frequently lead to crop failures and , undermining . Additionally, rising sea levels, projected to accelerate , endanger Gaza's shoreline, including low-lying areas near , by increasing intrusion and land loss.

History

Gaza Empire

The Gaza Empire was founded in the early 19th century by (also known as Soshangana KaZikode), a Nguni leader and former general of the who fled northward during the wars triggered by Zulu expansion under . After crossing the around 1825 and subjugating local Tsonga and other groups through military conquests, established a centralized, militarized state in the highlands along the middle Sabi (Save) River in present-day southern . This empire, named after Soshangane's grandfather Gaza, initially controlled territories between the Sabi and Limpopo rivers, incorporating diverse ethnic groups under a hierarchical system where Nguni elites dominated vassal populations. The empire reached its peak under Soshangane's successors, Mzila (ruled circa 1861–1884) and his son Ngungunyane (also known as , ruled 1884–1895), expanding to encompass much of southern from the Save River in the north to the in the south, with influence extending into southeastern . Mzila consolidated power through alliances and military campaigns, while Ngungunyane relocated the capital to Massangena to better defend against external threats, fostering a period of relative stability and cultural integration. The relied on extracted from subjugated states, extensive cattle herding as a symbol of wealth and power, and control over trade routes linking the interior to the port of Delagoa Bay, involving goods such as , slaves, and agricultural products. Culturally, the empire synthesized Nguni traditions—such as age-grade regiments for a and centralized rituals—with local Tsonga practices, though it maintained ethnic segregation that privileged the ba-Nguni . The Gaza Empire declined in the late 19th century amid intensifying Portuguese colonial pressures, culminating in military campaigns that defeated Ngungunyane's forces in 1895. Following his capture at the Battle of Coolela and subsequent surrender at Chaimite, Ngungunyane was exiled to the archipelago, where he died in 1906, marking the effective end of the empire. This historical legacy contributed to the modern ethnic composition of the Gaza region, blending Nguni and Tsonga influences in contemporary demographics.

Colonial Period

The Portuguese conquest of the Gaza Empire began in the late 19th century, culminating in the defeat of its ruler, Ngungunhane, and the incorporation of the territory into by 1897. Military campaigns led by figures such as Joaquim Mouzinho de Albuquerque targeted the Gaza state's resistance, marking the end of indigenous control in southern Mozambique and the onset of direct colonial administration. This integration aligned Gaza with Portugal's broader imperial ambitions in , transforming the region from an autonomous polity into a peripheral zone focused on resource extraction. Under colonial rule, Gaza was initially administered as part of larger s within , with administrative reforms in 1954 formally establishing it as a distinct to streamline governance and economic oversight in the south. This reorganization divided the former Sul do Save , placing Gaza alongside and Lourenço Marques to facilitate centralized control over southern territories. The period was characterized by exploitative policies, including the chibalo system of forced labor, which compelled local populations to work on and plantations from the 1920s through the 1960s, often under coercive conditions that disrupted subsistence farming and fueled economic dependency on exports. Resistance to these impositions manifested in localized unrest, influenced by broader anti-colonial movements such as the 1902 Bailundo War in neighboring , which highlighted the vulnerabilities of Portuguese authority and inspired sporadic protests against labor demands in southern . Infrastructure development during the colonial era prioritized economic extraction, with the Limpopo Railway line constructed in the 1910s to parallel the Limpopo River and connect Gaza's resources to ports for export, primarily to South Africa, enhancing the colony's role in regional trade networks. Catholic missions, granted monopoly over indigenous education by Portuguese law, established schools in Gaza to promote Portuguese language and culture, though access remained limited and geared toward basic literacy to support administrative and labor needs rather than broad empowerment. The proximity of Gaza's borders to South Africa underscored the region's strategic value during World War II, as Portugal's neutrality allowed Mozambique to serve as a conduit for Allied supplies and economic exchanges, bolstering the colony's logistical importance without direct involvement in hostilities. These colonial dynamics sowed seeds of discontent that contributed to the outbreak of the independence war in the 1960s.

Post-Independence Developments

Following 's independence from in 1975, Gaza Province became a significant theater in the ensuing civil war between the ruling government and the insurgency, which lasted until 1992. The conflict devastated rural areas in Gaza, where forces conducted massacres and targeted civilians, leading to widespread displacement of populations and the contamination of agricultural lands with landmines. In districts like Chokwe, the war severely disrupted farming, as rendered fields unusable and contributed to food insecurity for thousands of residents. An estimated 1 million people died nationwide during the war, with Gaza's southern border proximity to —'s key backer—intensifying the violence and forcing many locals into camps across the frontier. The 1992 General Peace Agreement marked a turning point, enabling reconstruction efforts in Gaza Province, including the of combatants and the of refugees. In June 1993, approximately 1,000 government soldiers were in the province, facilitating the reintegration of ex-fighters into civilian life through UN-supervised programs. Over 1.5 million Mozambican refugees returned home by late 1994, with many resettling in Gaza's rural communities, supported by international aid that helped rebuild and clear landmines in affected areas. These initiatives laid the groundwork for stability, though the legacy of displacement persisted, influencing local . Natural disasters compounded post-war challenges, notably the devastating floods of February-March 2000, which inundated Gaza Province and displaced tens of thousands. In Gaza, the flooding affected over 30,000 people requiring evacuation and destroyed 43% of the province's cultivated land, prompting a massive international response coordinated by the UN and NGOs. Aid efforts, including food distributions and shelter provision, reached more than 650,000 affected individuals nationwide, with Gaza benefiting from emergency supplies valued at millions from donors like the . In recent years, Gaza has faced political unrest tied to national elections. Protests following the disputed October 2024 general elections led to violence across , including in Gaza, where security forces used excessive force, resulting in at least 411 deaths nationwide and arbitrary arrests as of October 2025. The unrest disrupted in Gaza, with over 13,000 bookings canceled in late 2024 due to clashes and road blockades, severely impacting the local economy. Investigations into police involvement in the violence began in July 2025. As of 2025, Margarida Mapanzene Chongo serves as the province's governor, elected under in the 2024 polls.

Government and Administration

Provincial Governance

Gaza Province operates within Mozambique's framework, which emphasizes and to promote local autonomy while aligning with national policies. As one of the country's 11 provinces, it is governed by an elected Provincial Assembly and a . The Provincial Assembly is selected through in general elections held every five years, while the is indirectly elected by the Assembly. The Provincial Assembly, comprising representatives from Gaza, holds legislative authority over provincial matters, including approving budgets, supervising executive actions, and enacting regulations to support local development. The leads the provincial executive council and is responsible for implementing the government's program, with accountability to the Provincial Assembly. Since the 2018 constitutional amendments, governors have been indirectly elected by the Provincial Assembly, marking a shift from presidential appointments to enhance democratic participation at the provincial level. In Gaza, Margarida Chongo of the ruling party serves as governor, having been re-elected in the 2024 general elections and sworn in on January 20, 2025. Provincial administration includes Secretaries of State, appointed by the President, who oversee key sectors such as , , and to ensure alignment with directives. These structures integrate with national reforms, initiated in the late and advanced through laws like the Local Authorities , which devolve planning and service delivery to provinces while maintaining state oversight for legality and unity. The provincial headquarters in , the capital, coordinates these efforts and plays a strategic role in national initiatives, including the Maputo Development Corridor, which enhances trade and connectivity for Gaza and southern . Governance in Gaza faces challenges from post-2024 election instability, including widespread protests against alleged electoral irregularities that have led to concerns and disruptions in administrative continuity.

Districts and Municipalities

Gaza Province is administratively divided into 14 districts and 7 municipalities, forming the primary units responsible for , service delivery, and development initiatives. The districts encompass both rural and semi-urban areas, while municipalities focus on urban in key centers. This structure supports decentralized administration, with districts handling broader territorial management and municipalities emphasizing urban infrastructure and services. The 14 districts are Bilene, Chibuto, Chicualacuala, Chigubo, Chókwè, Chonguene, Guijá, , Mabalane, Manjacaze, , Massangena, Massingir, and . Among these, Chókwè stands out as a major hub, featuring the Chókwè Irrigation Scheme that covers approximately 37,000 hectares of along the , supporting rice and vegetable production critical to provincial food security. Bilene District, located on the coast, serves as a key area for development, with its white-sand beaches and attracting visitors for water sports, , and eco-tourism activities. Massingir District acts as the primary gateway to Limpopo National Park, facilitating access to the and promoting and safari in collaboration with neighboring and . The 7 municipalities are Chibuto, Chókwè, Macia, Manjacaze, Massingir, Praia do Bilene, and , each governing urban or semi-urban zones with elected councils focused on utilities, , and local . Xai-Xai Municipality, as the provincial capital, coordinates urban expansion and serves as the administrative nucleus, while others like Chókwè integrate irrigation-related urban services. Population distribution across these units is predominantly rural, with the majority residing in districts such as Chókwè and Manjacaze, where agricultural communities prevail; urban centers in the municipalities, including Xai-Xai with over 99,000 residents, concentrate commercial and administrative activities, accounting for a smaller but growing share of the province's approximately 1.5 million inhabitants as of recent estimates. Rural districts dominate in land area and patterns, reflecting Gaza's agrarian economy. Recent administrative changes include the creation of Limpopo District in 2016, carved from Xai-Xai District to enhance coastal management and development near the , alongside Chonguene and Districts formed for improved resource allocation in tourism and border areas. Boundary adjustments have also occurred to support infrastructure projects, such as expansions in conservation zones around Massingir for transfrontier integration.

Demographics and Society

Population Statistics

According to the 2017 conducted by Mozambique's National Institute of Statistics (INE), Gaza Province had a total population of 1,420,109, making it the least populous province in the . This figure reflects a low of approximately 19 people per square kilometer, given the province's area of 75,709 square kilometers. Urban residents accounted for about 28% of the total, with the provincial capital, , serving as the largest urban center at 141,963 inhabitants. The province's population has shown steady growth, increasing from 990,900 in 1980 to the 2017 census figure, driven by natural increase and influenced by migration patterns and post-conflict recovery efforts following Mozambique's . The annual growth rate averaged 1.41% in recent decades, leading to projections of 1.5 to 1.6 million residents by 2025, which incorporate adjustments for ongoing rural-to-urban migration and recovery from such as floods; as of 2025, the estimated population is approximately 1.55 million. Demographic composition reveals a of approximately 48% male and 52% female, consistent with national trends but shaped by provincial labor migration dynamics. The features a significant bulge, with 45% under the age of 15, highlighting challenges and opportunities related to , , and in this predominantly rural province.

Ethnic Groups and Languages

The ethnic composition of Gaza Province is dominated by the , also known as Changane or Shangaan, who form the primary group and trace their origins to the Gaza Empire established by Nguni migrants in the . Minorities include the Chopi and ethnic groups, as well as a small number of and European descendants from the colonial era, reflecting historical influences in southern . Portuguese serves as the of Gaza Province, though it is primarily a and spoken as a by only about 2.7% of residents. Xitsonga, the of the , is the primary tongue, spoken by approximately 88.4% of the population, underscoring the province's linguistic homogeneity tied to its dominant ethnic group. Other local languages include Cichopi, spoken by 6.2%, and Bitonga, spoken by 0.5%, with bilingualism in and Xitsonga being widespread in urban centers like . Tsonga cultural heritage in Gaza Province emphasizes patrilineal social structures, where inheritance passes from father to eldest son and family units are organized around the father's lineage. Traditional practices, influenced by Nguni migrations during the Gaza Empire era, include vibrant music and dance forms such as xigubu, a rhythmic warrior dance performed with drums and skirts that symbolizes community unity and historical resilience. Religious life in Gaza Province features a mix dominated by , aligning with national trends where approximately 62% of residents identify as Christian, largely due to colonial introductions and ongoing activities in southern . Traditional African beliefs, including reliance on healers and ancestral rituals, account for a significant portion, often blending with Christian practices in rural areas. represents a smaller portion, primarily among coastal trading communities.

Education and Literacy

The education system in Gaza Province follows Mozambique's national structure, where primary education is free and compulsory for children aged 6 to 15, spanning seven years. However, enrollment in secondary education remains limited, with only about 50% of eligible students transitioning to lower secondary levels due to socioeconomic barriers and limited school availability in rural areas. Key higher education institutions include the branch of the Universidade Pedagógica in , which trains teachers and offers programs in to support regional needs. Literacy rates in Gaza Province stand at approximately 40% for adults overall, with rates dropping lower in rural districts and a notable disparity, where literacy is around 30%. These figures reflect broader challenges in access to quality , exacerbated by the province's high levels and geographic isolation. The (HDI) for Gaza Province was 0.449 in 2019, underscoring the low contribution of to overall human development in the region. Significant obstacles persist, including chronic underfunding of schools, acute teacher shortages—nationally estimated at 16,000 educators in 2024, with similar pressures in Gaza—and infrastructure damage from recurrent floods, such as those caused by in 2023, which displaced thousands and closed dozens of schools. Historical impacts from Mozambique's have also left lasting effects on educational facilities in the province. Efforts to address these issues include international initiatives like USAID-supported programs for teacher training and school rehabilitation, though 2025 funding cuts stemming from U.S. policy shifts disrupted aid delivery to health and projects in .

Economy

Agriculture and Subsistence

Agriculture in Gaza Province is predominantly subsistence-based, with the majority of the rural engaged in small-scale farming to meet household needs. Approximately 80 percent of the province's inhabitants live in rural areas, where farming of staple crops such as , , and forms the core of livelihoods. These crops are cultivated on rain-fed plots, supporting for families amid the region's . Livestock rearing, particularly and , plays a vital role, especially among Tsonga communities who traditionally practice as a cultural and economic mainstay. Poultry is also common, with households raising chickens for both consumption and income. Commercial agriculture in the province centers on irrigated schemes that enable cash crop production, contrasting with the subsistence focus elsewhere. The Chókwè Irrigation Scheme, located in the Limpopo River Basin, is a key asset, supporting the cultivation of rice and cotton on over 30,000 hectares of arable land. This system, rehabilitated after years of neglect, boosts yields through controlled water distribution from the river, making it a hub for surplus production. Cashew nuts represent another major commercial crop, with Gaza Province promoting widespread planting through initiatives like "One family – 100 cashew trees," contributing to national exports that reached nearly 200,000 tonnes in the 2024–25 season. Despite these efforts, agriculture faces significant challenges from environmental and historical factors. Recurrent droughts and floods, exacerbated by events like El Niño, frequently devastate crops and livestock, leading to the loss of the majority of agricultural fields in affected areas and pushing thousands of families toward food insecurity. Post-civil war landmine contamination, cleared through international efforts by 2015, had previously restricted farmland access, but ongoing demining has allowed gradual expansion of cultivated areas. Overall, underpins Gaza Province's , employing about 70 percent of the workforce and serving as a major contributor to the provincial , far exceeding national averages where the sector contributes around 25 percent to GDP but sustains over 70 percent of rural . This reliance highlights the sector's role in poverty alleviation and , though vulnerability to climate risks underscores the need for resilient practices like drought-tolerant varieties.

Industry and Mining

The industry in Gaza Province remains limited and predominantly small-scale, focusing on agro- activities tied to local . Small-scale cotton ginning operations exist, such as the facility acquired in by partners in Mozambique Cotton Manufacturers (MCM) in the province, which supports local farmers by raw into fiber and seed. Similarly, cashew nut occurs through modest factories and surveys of workers in Gaza highlight the sector's role in employing local labor, though much of the output is exported raw or semi-processed to larger hubs like for further refinement. No major industrial factories operate within the province, with economic activities heavily reliant on transportation to the capital for advanced manufacturing and value addition. Mining in Gaza Province centers on coastal heavy mineral sands, with significant potential in deposits of and , key sources for production. Exploration and extraction have advanced in areas like Chibuto, where Chinese firm Dingsheng Minerals operates a $700 million heavy mineral sands project, including a processing plant with a 10,000 metric tons per day capacity, extracting and other concentrates since around 2019; the concession spans 25 years and aims to produce up to one million tons of annually, though operations faced disruptions from worker strikes in 2025 over wages and conditions. As of November 2025, a strike involving over 700 workers continued to impact operations. Other deposits, such as the Nhacutse and Poiombo sites confirmed by MRG Metals in 2022, contain high-grade heavy minerals with an inferred resource of 860 million tonnes at 4.9% total heavy mineral content. Inland, exploration for diamonds in Massangena (near Massingir) was confirmed by the in 2016, with ongoing but no commercial-scale development to date due to the nascent stage of assessments. The informal sector includes and trade, though it is underdeveloped in Gaza compared to , with small-scale extraction of sand, gravel, and occasional gems along riverine areas like the . Potential for growth exists through special economic zones (SEZs) in the southern corridor, such as the Limpopo Agribusiness SEZ established in 2021 across 7,297 km² in Gaza districts like Chókwè and , which incentivizes processing and export-oriented industries. However, post-2024 investments in industry and mining have been minimal, hampered by national political instability following elections, including unrest that damaged businesses and deterred foreign capital.

Tourism and Trade

Gaza Province attracts tourists primarily through its coastal beaches and reserves. Popular destinations include the white-sand beaches of Bilene and , where visitors engage in swimming, snorkeling, and relaxation amid coral reefs and lagoons. Bilene serves as a bustling resort area ideal for family holidays and conferences, drawing crowds especially during weekends. Further inland, Limpopo National Park offers safari experiences featuring diverse in a semiarid savannah setting, as part of the larger shared with and . Ecotourism thrives in the province's protected areas, emphasizing biodiversity conservation and community involvement. The promotes sustainable wildlife viewing, with recent reintroductions of species like elephants and antelopes to enhance attractions in and adjacent . , known for its seasonal wetlands and unique , now shares revenues with local communities to support ongoing initiatives. The sector generated approximately $15 million in revenue during the first half of 2025, marking a 4.5% decline attributed to post-election protests in late 2024 and early 2025. These unrests led to over 13,000 booking cancellations in Gaza Province, severely impacting holiday seasons and investor confidence. Prior to the crisis, the province hosted around 320 tourism establishments, bolstered by a 55% growth in investments that supported new resorts and park infrastructure. Trade in Gaza Province centers on agricultural exports routed through the nearby Port, facilitating shipments of nuts and to international markets. exports, a key commodity, began the 2024-2025 season with prices ranging from $1,339 to $1,613 per ton, though port disruptions from protests delayed volumes worth millions. Informal cross-border trade persists with and , often involving small-scale exchanges of goods near the transfrontier park borders, supplementing formal port activities.

Infrastructure

Transportation

The transportation infrastructure in Gaza Province primarily revolves around road networks, with the EN1 national highway serving as the main artery connecting to and extending northward through the province for approximately 160 kilometers. This paved route links Gaza Province directly to via the capital and supports regional mobility, though secondary district roads remain largely unpaved and vulnerable to and blockages during heavy rains. Ongoing rehabilitation efforts, including widening and resurfacing the 190-kilometer Marracuene-Xai-Xai segment, aim to improve reliability and capacity, with funding mobilized through international partnerships as of 2024. Rail transport in the province is dominated by the , operated by (CFM), which traverses Gaza and facilitates freight movement of and minerals toward the Ressano Garcia border with and onward to . This standard-gauge line, part of the southern rail network, handles essential for export, with CFM projecting a 26.6% increase in overall rail for 2025 across its southern corridors, including . The separate Ressano Garcia line, also under CFM management, complements this by providing a direct 88-kilometer link from through southern Gaza areas to the South African border, supporting cross-border mineral transport with capacity for up to 12 trains daily. Air travel is supported by the Xai-Xai Chongoene Airport (IATA: VJB), a small commercial facility inaugurated in November 2021 and built with Chinese grant aid, primarily handling domestic flights to serve the provincial capital and surrounding areas. Coastal access relies on minor fishing ports and emerging facilities, such as the Chongoene Terminal in Gaza Province, approved in 2024 and nearing operational start as of October 2025, which is designed to handle bulk mineral sands with an initial annual capacity of eight million metric tons in its first phase valued at $55 million. This terminal will enhance trade logistics upon completion. Transportation in Gaza Province faces significant challenges from environmental and social factors, including flood damage from Tropical Storm Filipo in March 2024, which affected 256 kilometers of roads and required extensive repairs budgeted at over 1.3 billion meticais for at-risk in the province. Post-flood rehabilitation of key routes like the EN1 continues into 2025, addressing vulnerabilities in flood-prone areas. Additionally, protests in February 2025 led to roadblocks on the EN1 within Gaza, halting traffic and disrupting connectivity to northern towns. These issues underscore the need for resilient to support the province's role in regional trade.

Utilities and Services

Access to electricity in Gaza Province remains limited, with approximately 40% of the population connected to the grid as of 2021, primarily concentrated in urban areas such as Xai-Xai and Chokwé. Rural electrification efforts have focused on solar-powered mini-grids and extensions from the national grid, including the first operational mini-grid in the province launched in September 2023, serving 350 initial connections, and ongoing projects like the BRILHO initiative expanding access through private partnerships. These initiatives aim to achieve universal access by 2030, supported by investments such as a planned 110 MW solar power plant. Water supply in Gaza Province relies heavily on the for and aquifers, with schemes like Chokwé and covering key agricultural areas along the river basin. These schemes irrigate approximately 20,000 hectares, supporting and production through pumping stations and canals, though maintenance challenges persist due to flooding risks. However, access to clean is inadequate in rural areas, where households often depend on unimproved sources such as unprotected wells, exacerbating health risks amid seasonal droughts and . The healthcare system in Gaza Province includes health centers and several rural hospitals, providing services across 11 districts, though strains limit effectiveness. The doctor-to-patient ratio reflects national shortages of approximately 1:12,000 as of , exacerbated by rural postings and migration. prevalence is the highest in at about 24.4% among adults, addressed through community-based programs like index testing and antiretroviral treatment expansion, which have increased male engagement and treatment coverage. Post-2000 flood recovery investments have bolstered utilities, with World Bank loans totaling $30 million funding rehabilitation of water infrastructure and early grid extensions in flood-affected areas like Gaza. In 2025, USAID highlighted vulnerabilities for health commodities in , including delays in and treatments due to administrative pauses, underscoring needs for resilient logistics in provinces like Gaza.

References

  1. https://www.citypopulation.de/en/mozambique/admin/09__gaza/
  2. https://openknowledge.fao.org/server/api/core/bitstreams/9746d3b5-3eac-4dbb-8404-49c966cfb8cc/content
  3. https://www.accommodationmozambique.co.za/gaza/
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