Palma - Cabo Delgado

Palma, Mozambique: Key Facts and Numbers

• Province: Cabo Delgado Province, in northern Mozambique, known for its natural gas reserves, coastal biodiversity, and ongoing security challenges. The province covers 82,625 km² and has a population of approximately 2,333,278 (2017 census).

• Population: Palma District had 48,423 inhabitants in 2007, with estimates suggesting growth to around 52,000–55,000 by 2025. The town itself had about 30,000–35,000 residents before the 2021 insurgent attack, which displaced over 35,000 (nearly half the town's 75,000 population at the time). Current town population is likely lower, around 20,000–25,000, due to displacement and slow returns. District density is approximately 13.8 inhabitants per km².

• Area: The district spans 3,493 km² (1,349 sq mi), encompassing coastal areas, islands of the Quirimbas Archipelago (e.g., Vamizi, Metundo), and the Quionga Triangle near the Rovuma River. The town occupies a smaller area along the Tungue Bay coastline.

• Location: Located at approximately 10°46′S 40°28′E in northern Cabo Delgado Province, Palma lies on the Indian Ocean coast within Tungue Bay, just south of Cape Delgado, 32 km from the Tanzanian border. It borders Nangade District to the west, Mocímboa da Praia District to the south, and Tanzania (Mtwara Region) to the north via the Rovuma River.

• History: Founded in 1889, Palma was named after José Raimundo de Palma Velho, a Portuguese commander who expelled a local sultan. It was a historical center for fishing, basketry, and mat-weaving. The discovery of offshore gas in 2010 transformed its economy, with TotalEnergies' LNG project at Afungi peninsula (10 km away) valued at $20 billion. The town was seized by Islamic State-linked insurgents (Ansar al-Sunna) on March 24, 2021, causing mass displacement and halting LNG operations until partial recovery in 2022–2023. Stabilization efforts by Rwandan and Mozambican forces continue as of 2025.

• Economy: Historically driven by artisanal fishing (kingfish, tuna, shrimp; ~500–1,000 tons annually), basketry, and trade, Palma's economy shifted with the LNG sector, contributing ~20–30% to local GDP pre-conflict. Agriculture (cassava, maize, cashews) supports ~60% of households across ~5,000 small farms. The 2021 attack disrupted commerce, but by 2023, 116,000 displaced residents returned, and half of 170 private businesses reopened. Unemployment is ~40–50%, with poverty affecting ~60–70% of residents. Provincial GDP per capita is ~$500–600 USD (2023 est.), lower in Palma due to instability.

• Climate and Environment: Tropical humid climate with 1,000–1,500 mm annual rainfall, mostly October–April. Temperatures range from 22–31°C. The coastal ecosystem includes coral reefs, mangroves, and beaches (e.g., Ngogi, Ulumbe), but overfishing and conflict-related damage threaten marine life. Conservation efforts protect parts of the Quirimbas Archipelago, with ~10–15% of the coastline under local initiatives.

• Infrastructure: Palma has a small port (~50–100 vessels monthly), a basic airstrip for charters, and limited facilities (one health center, primary schools for ~3,000 students district-wide). Electricity access is ~20–30% (solar-based), and mobile coverage (Vodacom/MCel) is unreliable due to conflict damage. The district has ~400 km of roads, mostly unpaved. By 2022, government services (e.g., schools, markets) resumed at ~90% capacity.

• Tourism and Recreation: Tourism is limited due to security risks, but Palma's beaches and Quirimbas islands (e.g., Vamizi) offer potential for fishing (tuna, kingfish), diving, and cultural tours (Swahili heritage). Pre-conflict visitor numbers were ~5,000–10,000 annually, now likely <1,000. Guesthouses like Palma Residences (~$30–70 USD/night) operate minimally. Best time: May–September (dry season). Travel warnings advise caution.

Getting There: Distances and Road Access

• Distance to Provincial Capital (Pemba): Approximately 280 km by road (5–7 hours driving, depending on security and conditions). The route follows the N380 highway south through Mocímboa da Praia and Macomia, with police escorts sometimes required due to insurgency risks. Pemba Airport (POL) is the nearest major airport.

• Distance to National Capital (Maputo): Approximately 2,300 km by road (32–38 hours driving). The route uses the EN1 highway south via Nampula, Quelimane, and Beira. Air travel (Pemba to Maputo, ~3–4 hours via Nampula) is preferred. Straight-line distance is ~1,600 km.

• Main Road Access: The N380 highway is the primary route, connecting Palma to Pemba (south) and the Tanzanian border (127 km north via Namoto/Kilambo Ferry). The R762 links Palma to LNG sites but is vulnerable to insurgent activity. Most roads are unpaved, requiring 4x4 vehicles, especially in the rainy season (October–April). Public transport via chapas (minibuses) to Pemba costs ~20–50 MZN ($0.32–0.80 USD) but is unreliable due to security concerns. No rail access.

Insurgency, with attacks & security risks

• Challenges and Recent Notes (as of 2025): The insurgency, with attacks since 2017, displaced ~582,000 people province-wide by 2024 and damaged infrastructure (e.g., telecommunications cut during raids). Reconstruction efforts, including 2023–2025 road and port repairs, aim to restore trade, with TotalEnergies resuming LNG work. Security risks persist, but 2022–2023 saw relative calm, with 85% of government services restored. Environmental concerns include mangrove loss and overfishing.