Cabo Delgado is a province
located in the far north of Mozambique, bordering Tanzania to the north and the
Indian Ocean to the east.
The capital of the province
is Pemba, known for its stunning beaches and the crystal-clear waters of Pemba
Bay. Pemba today faces the challenge of reconstruction following Cyclone Idai,
as well as dealing with displaced families who are victims of terrorism in the
districts.
Cabo Delgado is rich in
natural resources, including natural gas and rubies, which has attracted
international investments in recent years. Investments are mainly focused in
the district of Palma, where the name "Cabo Delgado" likely originates
from.
However, the province faces
significant challenges, such as the armed insurgency that began in 2017,
causing massive population displacement and impacting local development. Many
families have lost everything and now rely on humanitarian food aid, which has
been dwindling due to a reduction in partners. The government is expected to
begin a new recovery and reconstruction plan for buildings and support for
local entrepreneurs.
Despite these challenges,
Cabo Delgado remains strategically important for Mozambique due to its natural
wealth and tourism potential, especially in the Quirimbas Archipelago, a
destination renowned for its natural beauty. For many months, these islands
have not been visited due to the security situation related to insurgent
attacks in the same districts that make up the Quirimbas Archipelago.
Cabo Delgado is a province
rich in history, culture, and nature. In addition to the sea, the mountains are
home to forests and valuable wildlife.
As mentioned, "Cabo Delgado" is named after a geographical cape on the province’s coast, identified by Portuguese navigators in the 16th century, particularly to the north of the province.
The province is famous for
the Quirimbas Archipelago, which consists of at least 32 small and large
islands that are perfect for a tourist trip. The islands are characterized by
marine biodiversity and unspoiled beaches. The district of Mecufi, which was
recently the epicenter of Cyclone Idai, is also a reference point for tourism.
Cabo Delgado is also famous
for hosting some of the largest ruby reserves in the world, particularly in the
Montepuez area, as well as in Ancuabe, which has attracted large international
investors. Ancuabe also produces graphite, as does the district of Balama.
The province is inhabited by
various ethnic groups, whose history dates back a long way, from the Swahili,
Arab, and Portuguese contact. The local people are known as the Macuas or
Amakuwa, the Macondes or Vamakonde, and the Mwanis or Wamuani, each with its
own traditions.
There are also smaller
communities, such as the Makwe or Wamakwe people, who live only in Palma, and
the Yaos, a small group that lives exclusively in the district of Nangade. Each
group speaks its own language, with Portuguese serving as the lingua franca.
However, almost everyone speaks or understands Swahili due to its influence
from the Republic of Tanzania.
Ibo Island, part of the
Quirimbas Archipelago, has a rich history and is home to ancient forts and
ruins dating back to the Portuguese and Arab colonial periods. In Balama, you
can find Mount Maco, the highest point in the province. The province also has
large corn production, similar to the potential in Namuno. Mueda is known for
its Mapiko dances, while Muidumbe has the Nguri Lagoon, which is famous for its
abundant fish.
In Nangade, you can find
cashew nuts and local lagoon fish. Seafood
also comes from Mocímboa da Praia, Quissanga, Palma, Macomia, and Mecufi. Chiúre
is known for its large population and the Lúrio River waterfalls. Meluco is
famous for its soil riches, but especially for being a forest sanctuary. The
fertile lands of Metuge and the famous Miezi salt are also notable attractions.
However, this list is far from exhaustive.
(Mozanorte team)
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