Limited rental supply; many expatriates in corporate housing or long-stay hotels. Lower city and central neighborhoods — services and markets. Wimbi Beach / Paquete — coastal zone with hotels and expatriate homes. Corporate compounds at Afungi — LNG project housing. Perimeter security and escorted transport common on projects

Pemba combines unique economic opportunity with security and logistics challenges — suited to well-structured contracts with robust corporate support. Excellent beaches and diving when security conditions allow. International community tied to energy, tourism, and NGOs. Regular or charter flights to Maputo — significant geographic isolation. Compensation packages (hardship, rotation) typical on LNG contracts

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Living in Pemba

Name: Mozambique
Address: MZ

Practical guide for expatriates in Cabo Delgado — natural gas, beaches, security, and projects.

Updated: May 2026 (with official references)

City profile

Pemba is capital of Cabo Delgado and main coastal city of the north, with about 200,000 inhabitants. Base for the Rovuma Basin LNG project at Afungi and a tourism hub with Wimbi and Ibo beaches.

The province has faced security instability since 2017 — affected areas concentrate inland; Pemba and corporate corridors have reinforced measures but always consult current security advice.

Where to live

Limited rental supply; many expatriates in corporate housing or long-stay hotels.

Lower city and central neighborhoods — services and markets
Wimbi Beach / Paquete — coastal zone with hotels and expatriate homes
Corporate compounds at Afungi — LNG project housing
Perimeter security and escorted transport common on projects

Essential services

Markets, basic shops — imported goods expensive and intermittent
Pemba Provincial Hospital; medical evacuation to Maputo or South Africa
POL airport — domestic and corporate charter flights
Pemba port — maritime logistics for offshore projects

Security and travel

Follow embassy, employer, and private security briefings. Avoid spontaneous travel inland without authorized escort. Pemba–Afungi corridor is monitored for project personnel.

Kidnap & ransom and medical evacuation insurance strongly recommended for contracts in the region.

Local administration

Each city has a Municipal Council, provincial health units (MISAU), and public schools (MINEDH). Water and licensing services vary by municipality.

Expatriate life

Pemba combines unique economic opportunity with security and logistics challenges — suited to well-structured contracts with robust corporate support.

Excellent beaches and diving when security conditions allow
International community tied to energy, tourism, and NGOs
Regular or charter flights to Maputo — significant geographic isolation
Compensation packages (hardship, rotation) typical on LNG contracts

Assigned to Pemba or Cabo Delgado?

Updated guidance on logistics, security, and life on the northern coast.