Rovuma

The Rovuma is a major river in southeastern Africa that rises in the highlands of Tanzania and flows southeast across northern Mozambique before reaching the Indian Ocean. In its lower course, the river forms part of the border between Mozambique and Tanzania and drains into the Mozambique Channel near the Rovuma Delta in Cabo Delgado Province.

The Rovuma Basin includes deltaic wetlands and mangroves; the river sustains communities with freshwater, supports fisheries, and is used for irrigation and transport along parts of its course.

Offshore, the Rovuma Basin contains one of Africa's largest natural gas discoveries, leading to LNG development by international consortiums. The onshore delta and coastal region have attracted significant investment and planning for energy projects.

In recent years, conflict in Cabo Delgado Province since 2017 has affected security and development around Rovuma's delta, impacting access and investment in gas facilities. The river and its delta remain central to environmental, social, and economic considerations in northern Mozambique and the neighboring region of Tanzania.