Zambezia Company

The Zambezia Company was a Portuguese chartered company established in the 1890s. It was granted the right to exploit land and people in specific areas of Mozambique in exchange for developing agriculture, infrastructure, and trade.12

These companies, including the Mozambique Company and the Niassa Company, were part of Portugal's strategy to develop its colonies, as the crown lacked the resources to do so alone. Economic development and infrastructure were primarily driven by the companies' interests, often at the expense of the African population. They relied heavily on conscripted labor for plantations and railways.12

Ultimately, the Portuguese government terminated the charters of these concession companies, bringing Mozambique under direct Portuguese rule.12