Local Content Policies in Mozambique's Oil and Gas Sector: A Comparative Analysis

Local Content Policies (LCPs) in Mozambique's Oil and Gas Sector have been implemented to promote domestic industries and reduce dependency on foreign companies. The study employs a mixed-method approach combining qualitative interviews with quantitative data analysis of policy documents and industry reports. Local content policies have shown a modest increase in domestic employment (around 30%) but varied across sectors, affecting small and medium enterprises differently. Despite initial challenges, LCPs are gradually fostering local development. Further tailored strategies may enhance their efficacy. Enhanced training programmes for SMEs and more flexible policy implementation could leverage the sector's full potential. The empirical specification follows $Y=\beta_0+\beta^\top X+\varepsilon$, and inference is reported with uncertainty-aware statistical criteria.