Construction of the SME Village at MozParks – Topuito Industrial Park in Nampula Province officially began today with a groundbreaking ceremony, marking the start of a 12-month project that will create dedicated infrastructure for small and medium-sized businesses operating in and around Topuito.
Financed by the Government of Mozambique and World Bank through CONECTA Negócios – Projecto de Ligações Económicas para Diversificação (PLED), the SME Village is being developed within Topuito Industrial Park, operated by MozParks. The investment is designed to give SMEs the infrastructure they need to establish and expand their operations, access markets and participate in larger industrial supply chains.
ADIN (Agência de Desenvolvimento Integrado do Norte) plays a key role in representing the Government’s regional development interests and supporting the coordination and implementation of PLED activities led by the Ministry of Finance in Northern Mozambique, including Cabo Delgado, Niassa and Nampula.
The planned SME Village will include workshops for light manufacturing, warehouses and cold storage, office and training spaces, a food court for local catering suppliers, and accommodation units.
“Small and medium-sized enterprises are one of the main drivers of economic growth and job creation. But for SMEs to grow, they need to be connected to real market opportunities. The SME Village will help create that connection by bringing local businesses closer to larger companies and giving them better conditions to integrate into their supply chains,” said Onório Manuel, CEO of MozParks.
Speaking at the groundbreaking ceremony, Tito Remigio Alecho, Director of the Larde District Education Service, highlighted the expected impact on local businesses, employment and young people.
“We believe the SME Village will become an important space for the growth and strengthening of small and medium-sized businesses, providing better conditions for production, commercialisation and service delivery. Above all, we expect this investment to contribute significantly to local job creation, particularly for young people, and to greater economic inclusion,” said Salvador.
Local participation will begin during the construction phase, with opportunities for members of the Topuito community to take part in the implementation of the Village.
Following the 12-month construction period, the SME Village will add a dedicated SME and logistics hub to Topuito Industrial Park, creating new space for Mozambican businesses to establish themselves, expand their operations and access opportunities generated by industrial investment in the region.
