Environmental Licensing in Mozambique: Ensuring Sustainable Development

Environmental licensing is a fundamental regulatory process that ensures businesses and industrial activities comply with environmental standards and sustainability goals. In Mozambique, the Ministry of Land, Environment, and Rural Development (MITADER), now integrated into the Ministry of Land and Environment (MTA), is responsible for issuing environmental licenses. These permits regulate industries to minimize their environmental impact, protect natural resources, and promote responsible business practices.

This article examines the importance of environmental licensing, taking as a case study the Sociedade Algodoeira do Niassa – Grupo João Ferreira dos Santos (SAN-JFS), which was granted an Environmental License of Operation (Category B) for its cottonseed oil production facility in Cuamba, Niassa Province.

Key Findings

1. The Role of Environmental Licensing in Mozambique

The Environmental License is a legal requirement for industries operating in Mozambique, ensuring that projects comply with Decree No. 54/2015, which regulates Environmental Impact Assessments (EIAs). These licenses are classified into different categories based on potential environmental impact:

• Category A: Projects with significant environmental risks, requiring a full EIA.

• Category B: Projects with moderate impact, requiring a simplified EIA.

• Category C: Projects with minimal impact, requiring only registration and compliance with general environmental guidelines.

The Sociedade Algodoeira do Niassa received a Category B Environmental License, meaning its cottonseed oil production plant has moderate environmental risks that must be managed through an Environmental Management Plan (EMP).

2. Environmental and Social Commitments of the License

By obtaining the Environmental License, the company commits to operating in an environmentally responsible manner, implementing measures to reduce pollution, manage waste, and use resources efficiently. Key responsibilities under this license include:

• Sustainable resource use: Ensuring responsible sourcing of cottonseeds without harming biodiversity.

• Pollution control: Managing emissions, wastewater, and solid waste to minimize environmental harm.

• Community impact mitigation: Engaging with local communities to ensure fair employment practices and prevent negative social impacts.

Failure to comply with these obligations could lead to penalties, suspension, or revocation of the license.

3. The Broader Context: Mozambique’s Sustainability Strategy

The Mozambican government, through MTA, has tightened environmental regulations to ensure industries contribute to sustainable development. Environmental licensing plays a crucial role in achieving national and international sustainability targets, aligning with global climate action and social responsibility commitments.

In line with Mozambique’s National Development Strategy (ENDE 2023-2042), environmental licensing is critical for fostering economic growth while protecting natural ecosystems. The cotton industry, which plays a vital role in rural economies, must balance industrial expansion with sustainability practices to ensure long-term environmental and social benefits.

The Environmental License of Operation granted to Sociedade Algodoeira do Niassa – Grupo João Ferreira dos Santos exemplifies Mozambique’s commitment to environmental stewardship and regulatory compliance. It reflects a growing emphasis on sustainable industrial practices that benefit both the economy and the environment. By adhering to environmental regulations, industries can contribute to Mozambique’s long-term sustainability goals, ensuring economic development without compromising ecological integrity.

RESET Foundation is committed with the The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The Environmental licensing are linked to several SDGs:

The SDG'sG's, also known as the Global Goals, were adopted by the United Nations in 2015 as a universal call to action to end poverty, protect the planet, and ensure that by 2030 all people enjoy peace and prosperity.