The issue raised by the Cabora Bassa Dam has figured in the agendas of the principal international conferences, in the world press; it is discussed in public meetings, it provokes popular demonstrations. Big financial interests and reactionary political forces follow anxiously the developments of events doing everything possible to make the project a reality, while the progressive forces try to prevent its realization.

In this context, it is important to analyze the meaning and the implications of this project—in particular to find out which are the reasons determining the different positions on Cabora Bassa.

This ambitious project would provide Mozambique with all the electric power she needs for her development, as well as enabling her to export power to the neighboring countries. It would seem then in the interests of the people of Mozambique that the dam be built. And this is the argument that the forces interested in the project are using to justify their involvement.They argue that the building of the dam will give work to thousands of Mozambicans both in the building and in the resulting industrial complex. That it will irrigate thousands of hectares of land, thus allowing hundreds of thousands of people to benefit from this arable land. That it would attract foreign investments, thus facilitating the development of the country. That it will make the Zambezi navigable up to the Indian Ocean. And that, since independence will come sooner or later, it is advisable to let the dam be built: because an independent Mozambique will be in a much better economic situation with the dam than without it.