The current formula used to calculate the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) must be urgently revised to incorporate the foreign currency generated by the exploitation of mineral resources, argues the Minister of Transport and Communications, Mateus Magala.

In Magala's view, the current model that estimates GDP is out of touch with reality "because it omits natural capital, which is large", such as rivers, fauna and forests.

The Minister put forward the idea in Nairobi, Kenya, during a panel discussion at the annual meeting of the African Development Bank (AfDB).

According to Magala, "the current form of calculation ignores these important resources" and is based on products that have already been manufactured. Therefore, in his view, it is important to include "in the new formula" the natural resources accounted for from the beginning.

The minister emphasized that Mozambique has more natural wealth than is reflected in the current GDP.

"It is necessary to re-evaluate and update the way GDP is measured to include these natural resources, which would bring benefits and responsibilities to countries like Mozambique," he said.

Without taking natural resources into account when calculating GDP, "we run the risk of compromising the future. Growth that ignores sustainability can be harmful in the long term."