Being a major player is one thing; however, maintaining a proper supply chain with adequate dexterity that meets the demand for energy in an entire country is no mean feat when performed succinctly over the years without any cry of shortages as seen in other countries across the globe. MITRA Energy has placed itself among the best in Africa’s energy supply chain for the good work it has been doing in Mozambique. As an important raw material exporter, MITRA Energy has been consistent and reliable in delivering the fuels needed to sustain production at mines, infrastructure development, agriculture production, fishing boats, and the transportation sector, which makes it a reliable business outfit for private clients as well as governments for its consistent level of services.
While holding a conversation with the African Leadership Magazine, ALM, Mr. Michel Ussene, the Executive Chairman of Mitra Energy, Mozambique, who recently clinched the most coveted
In the forth-coming Africa Leadership Impact Award event, Houston talked about their excellent service delivery over the years, major challenges, and how the youth and the future generation can continue to benefit from them.
ALM: According to the 2023 World Bank Mozambique economic update report, the medium-term economic outlook is positive, with growth expected to accelerate to 6% between 2023–2025, which was achieved by continuous recovery of services and increased liquefied natural gas production. Kindly tell us how Mitra Energy assisted in driving the country’s economic recovery.
Ussene: “MITRA Energy is a key player in the downstream ecosystem in Mozambique. With so much volatility in global markets last year, MITRA Energy played a significant role in maintaining the country’s supply of liquid fuels. To grow, we need supply stability for several commodities”.
ALM: In the past year of your professional engagements, how have you been able to provide quality, consistent, and affordable services that have promoted the standard of living in Mozambique and Africa?
Ussene: “The African continent and Mozambique are fundamental raw material exporters. Our main objective last year was to be consistent and reliable in delivering the fuels needed to sustain production at mines, infrastructure development, agriculture production, fishing boats, and transportation sectors. Private clients, as well as governments, can rely upon our consistent level of services.”
ALM: Oil and gas are one of the prospective industries and the basic source of economic development in Mozambique. Kindly explain how it has affected Mozambique and the African market.
Ussene: Mozambique has three main LNG projects. already in Mozambique LNG and Rovuma LNG. There is a common understanding that these projects have the power to turn Mozambique into a middle-income country by the next decade.
Being such large projects, they inject positive perspectives and dynamize the overall Mozambican economy.
Mozambique will be more of an exporter than an importer.
ALM: A report by the Institute for the Promotion of Small and Medium Enterprises (IPEME) disclosed that SMEs are the heart and soul of the Mozambican economy, comprising not less than 98.7% of the market. How has your company uplifted SMEs in Mozambique and Africa?
Ussene: “Our company in Mozambique has a direct impact on more than 600 people, from those employed at the company to service providers, outsourced, etc.”
ALM: Without doubt, you have accomplished many feats through hard work, persistence, and resilience. What would you say are your proudest achievements so far?
Ussene: “By far my largest achievement was to develop such a great team, composed of amazing professionals with a single goal, and to become the best energy company on the African continent”.
ALM: Can you share with us some of the challenges that have opposed your operational mandates and how you have been able to tackle them for the smooth running of the industry?
Ussene: “The most difficult is the access to finance for African companies. We have been able to improve over the years these difficulties by working closely with banks and financial institutions and have an extremely well-organised financial department”.
ALM: In recognition of your professional accomplishments, leadership impact, and contribution to the growth of the Southern African energy industry, you have been invited to receive the African Leadership Impact Award at the forth-coming Africa Energy Excellence Award event in Houston, Texas. How does this make you feel?
“I am very proud. This is a recognition of the good work done by many people under the same umbrella of Mitra Energy.”
ALM: Kindly share with us the benefits the Mozambique youth stand to enjoy following your operational policies.
Ussene: “We are a performance-driven company. What the youth can benefit from is our capability to deliver and execute at higher international standards.”