AGP Executive Report

Mozambique Petroleum Overhaul: Mozambique has revised its Petroleum Law, replacing the 2014 framework with Law No. 8/2026 and expanding coverage to areas like emissions control and regasification, while introducing a new reconnaissance licence reserved for national companies. Digital Finance & Data Sovereignty: Bubble Cloud Mozambique has won an advanced licence to run two availability zones in Maputo and Beluluane, aiming to keep critical data local for banks and government. Energy for Industrialisation: President Daniel Chapo says Rovuma Basin energy projects worth over US$50bn should drive industrialisation, jobs and value-add beyond exports, while ENI stresses local content and supplier development. Trade Ties with China: CTA urges Mozambique and China to move from simple trade/investment toward joint production, technology transfer and value chains. Northern Mozambique Logistics: MSC launched the Afungi Shuttle linking Afungi, Nacala and Maputo to move LNG construction cargo faster. Conservation Policy Push: Mozambique plans to open 29 conservation areas to more private concessions to lift tourism revenues and jobs in remote regions.

Mozambique Energy Push: President Daniel Chapo says Mozambique wants to become a regional energy hub, using Rovuma Basin LNG and new power projects to drive industrialisation, jobs and value-add beyond exports. Local Content in Gas: ENI also argues gas investment must translate into domestic benefits, training Mozambican technicians and strengthening local suppliers in the Rovuma Basin. Petroleum Law Update: Mozambique has revised its Petroleum Law, expanding the framework for oil and gas activities and setting new rules aimed at transparency, environmental safeguards and greater national participation. Regional Power Plans: SADC calls for bigger investment in energy infrastructure, highlighting cross-border transmission projects to lift electrification across the region. Trade and Connectivity: CTA urges Mozambique-China ties to shift toward joint production and technology transfer, while Raxio and AFR-IX Telecom expand digital connectivity across Lusophone Africa. Northern Mozambique Logistics: MSC launches the Afungi Shuttle linking Afungi with Nacala and Maputo to move LNG project cargo more efficiently. Visa and Mobility Watch: A risk-focused global ranking places Mozambique among the more vulnerable markets, while passport-access lists keep drawing attention to Mozambique’s travel links.

Mozambique Energy Push: President Daniel Chapo told the Mozambique CEO Summit in Maputo the country wants to become a regional energy hub, using power projects in the Zambezi Valley and LNG in the Rovuma Basin to drive industrialisation, jobs and even a “regional digital hub.” Northern Mozambique Logistics: MSC launched the Afungi Shuttle, linking Afungi with dedicated feeder rotations from Nacala and Maputo to move LNG construction cargo. Regional Trade & Payments: eZi Remit and Mastercard partnered to speed up cross-border remittances from South Africa to corridors including Mozambique, using digital wallets and cash collection options. Cabo Delgado Security: In Ancuabe, suspected militants burned four houses in Intutupue village, forcing residents to flee; no deaths were reported. Mozambique–Egypt Ties: Foreign ministers agreed to deepen cooperation with a focus on agriculture, trade, maritime transport, logistics, training and counter-terrorism support. Governance & Development Finance: Mozambique appointed Dino Foi as new chairman of the National Sustainable Development Fund (FNDS) and approved a 2026–2030 integrated investment programme.

Mozambique–Egypt Ties: Mozambique and Egypt agreed to deepen cooperation in agriculture, trade, maritime transport, logistics, health and education, with President Daniel Chapo set for a visit to Egypt and both sides also discussing counter-terrorism support. FNDS Leadership: Mozambique appointed businessman Dino Foi as new Chairman of the National Sustainable Development Fund (FNDS), replacing Cláudio Borges, as the state pushes development financing and reviews past programme performance. Food Safety Focus: President Daniel Chapo backed animal health as a pillar of food safety, endorsing a “One Health” approach and moving veterinarians into IGSAE’s future technical-scientific council. SADC Leather Push: Mozambique is among six SADC states advancing aligned national leather plans under a regional framework, with a Durban forum set to review progress and commitments. Regional Migration Shock (South Africa): Over 160,000 foreign nationals left South Africa amid anti-migrant violence, including nearly 2,000 Mozambicans, as rights groups warn locals are being scapegoated for deeper economic woes. Human Rights Call: Amnesty says Mozambique must investigate the summary execution of Narciso Castigo Sambo in Xinavane, urging accountability and removal of responsible officers. Visa Rules for Travel: South Africa published a 30-day visa-free list for citizens of several African countries including Mozambique.

Mozambique Accountability: Mozambique’s Bar Association (OAM) is calling for an independent, impartial investigation into the killing of Narciso Castigo Sambo (Macovo) after a viral video allegedly shows Rapid Intervention Unit officers executing him in Xinavane, Maputo province, with SERNIC saying an investigation has been opened. Water & Services: Mozambique plans to add 876,335 new household water connections by 2036 under the ProÁguas 2026–2036 programme, including standpipes, dispersed water points and sanitation upgrades. Energy Performance: Cahora Bassa dam operator HCB says it exceeded first-half 2026 targets, generating 6,399.02 GWh, with reserves recovering after drought and net profit rising. Regional Trade (Mozambique link): Zimbabwe’s rail operator NRZ says it has begun shipping lithium concentrate by rail to the Port of Maputo, aiming to cut costs and reduce road bottlenecks. Health Crisis: Mozambican health workers’ union APSUSM has extended a nationwide strike by 30 days, citing medicine shortages and worsening hospital conditions. Diplomacy: Egypt and Mozambique say they will deepen bilateral cooperation, with Egyptian technical support and plans to accelerate joint committee work.

Health Crisis in Mozambique: The United Association of Mozambican Health Workers (APSUSM) has extended its nationwide strike by another 30 days, citing medicine and supply shortages that are worsening hospital conditions and delaying care. Energy Update: Cahora Bassa (HCB) says it exceeded its first-half 2026 energy targets, generating 6,399.02 GWh and reporting higher reserves after severe drought restrictions. Diplomacy and Cooperation: Former UK Prime Minister Tony Blair told President Daniel Chapo Mozambique has the resources to break free from poverty, while Egypt’s foreign minister said Egypt will share development expertise to deepen cooperation with Maputo. Science and Conservation: Researchers have identified four new chameleon species found nowhere else in northern Mozambique’s isolated mountain forests, highlighting the “sky island” biodiversity at risk. Regional Security and Trade: Belarus’ foreign minister met Mozambican leaders during a working visit, discussing agricultural mechanisation, security cooperation, and logistics to boost regional trade. Tourism Safety: Triland Tourism Partners urged travellers to ignore intimidation and xenophobia fears after a viral incident involving South African tourists in Ponta do Ouro.

Mozambique Debt Talks: President Daniel Chapo is pushing ahead with plans to convert and restructure US$1.4bn of Chinese debt into yuan, aiming to unlock a fresh IMF borrowing programme after Maputo cleared IMF arrears and faces “severe” sovereign risk. Humanitarian Crisis in Cabo Delgado: Aid groups warn northern Mozambique needs urgent help, with about 1.1 million people requiring assistance and only half receiving it, as violence drives fresh displacement. Financial Inclusion Gap: The Bank of Mozambique says Nampula, Cabo Delgado and Niassa still lag on financial services coverage, with uneven benefits despite digital progress. Governance and Appointments: The Prime Minister urged new public institution leaders to act with integrity and transparency, citing INSS financial scandals and the need to expand social security coverage. Party Organisation: Anamola swore in 35 members for departments and advisory bodies, strengthening its territorial presence in Zambézia. International Cooperation: Belarus’s foreign minister met Mozambique’s President and discussed agricultural mechanisation, security cooperation and fertiliser production. Trade and Logistics: Astral Aviation resumed its weekly Nairobi–Guangzhou freighter service, restoring a direct air-cargo link that connects onward to Maputo.

Mozambique–Belarus Diplomacy: Belarus’s foreign minister Maxim Ryzhenkov began a landmark Maputo visit, meeting President Daniel Chapo and pushing deeper ties on agricultural mechanisation, blended fertilisers, security cooperation and industrial development. Humanitarian Pressure in Cabo Delgado: Johanniter International Assistance warns that about 1.1 million people in northern Mozambique need help, with 919,000 in Cabo Delgado, and says aid coverage is only about half of needs. Financial Inclusion Gap: Mozambique’s central bank reports poor financial service coverage in the north (Nampula, Cabo Delgado, Niassa), with uneven gains from digital services and continued barriers for women and vulnerable groups. Governance and Integrity: Prime Minister Benvinda Levi urged new public institution leaders to prioritise transparency and oversight, citing INSS financial scandals and the need to expand social security coverage. Party Organisation: Anamola swore in 35 members for departments and advisory bodies, strengthening its territorial presence. Regional Migration Fallout: South Africa’s anti-illegal immigration drive is reshaping labour markets, with reports of job losses and shortages of skilled workers as migrants leave.

Cabo Delgado Humanitarian Crisis: Mozambique’s northern conflict is worsening, with about 1.1 million people needing help—919,000 in Cabo Delgado—yet only half are receiving aid, as agencies warn of urgent needs in healthcare, food, education and protection. Public Finance & Governance: In Maputo, Prime Minister Benvinda Levi urged new public institution leaders to run affairs with integrity and transparency, pointing to INSS financial scandals and the need to expand social security coverage beyond informal workers. Agriculture Mechanisation Deal: Mozambique and Belarus move to deepen cooperation, signing plans for four mechanisation centres to boost family farming and food security, alongside broader industrial and security collaboration. South Africa Migration Tensions: South Africa’s Inter-Ministerial Committee reaffirmed humanitarian support for displaced migrants while insisting immigration enforcement and repatriation must follow law and the Constitution, condemning xenophobia and vigilantism. Mandela Day Solidarity: In Johannesburg, volunteers and migrants from across the region joined community clean-ups and support activities, using Mandela International Day to push back against xenophobia. Border Corruption Crackdown: Zimbabwe sentences ZRP officers over alleged “Border Mafia” extortion at the Mozambique-Zimbabwe crossing, highlighting organised abuse of travellers.

Mozambique–Belarus Agricultural Deal: Mozambique plans a technical and financial mechanism to bring Belarusian agricultural technologies into local production, with a focus on family farming and mechanisation as a bridge between hand tools and tractors. Diplomatic Push: Belarus also says it wants to deepen cooperation with Mozambique across food security, counter-terrorism, national security, industrialisation, port logistics and mining-linked fertiliser production. Migration Management in South Africa: South Africa’s Inter-Ministerial Committee reiterates humanitarian support for displaced migrants while stressing lawful, state-led enforcement and a firm condemnation of xenophobia and vigilantism. Mandela Day and Solidarity: Mandela International Day in South Africa saw volunteers and migrants work together on community clean-ups, with organisers using the day to promote unity and reject xenophobia. CPLP at 30: Lusophone partners marked the CPLP’s 30th anniversary, highlighting cooperation priorities for the coming decades. Regional Trade Link: A Macao business delegation is set to visit Mozambique for a China–Portuguese-speaking countries entrepreneurs meeting to explore commercial opportunities.

Migration & Xenophobia: South Africa’s government says it rejects xenophobia and is tightening the repatriation process after anti-immigrant protests, as thousands of migrants are processed for deportation or voluntary return and families report being torn apart. Humanitarian Repercussions: The latest accounts highlight the real cost of forced displacement, including Nigerians repatriated after violence, with women and children among those affected. Mozambique in the Region: Belarus and Mozambique signed a deal to build four agricultural mechanisation centres, aimed at boosting food security. Energy & Investment: Mozambique resolved a long-running coal mining dispute through an ICSID settlement, clearing the way for renewed investor momentum. AI for Public Health: AirQo at Makerere University is using AI and low-cost sensors to improve air pollution monitoring across multiple countries, including Mozambique. Travel & Diplomacy: Russia published visa-free entry conditions for African travellers in 2026, while South Africa’s updated visa-free list for 2026 excludes Sierra Leone. International Politics: The US anti-abortion push is expanding overseas funding restrictions, raising concerns for reproductive health support across sub-Saharan Africa. Rights Row in the UK: Amnesty International UK withdrew a report that branded J.K. Rowling’s Beira’s Place “anti-rights,” after backlash and legal threats.

Mozambique–Agriculture: Belarus and Mozambique signed a contract in Maputo to build four agricultural mechanisation centres, aimed at boosting Mozambique’s food security. Mozambique–Energy/Mining: Mozambique says it has resolved a long-running coal mining dispute through an ICSID settlement, clearing the way for renewed investment momentum in the extractive sector. Mozambique–Business/Local Content: At a Maputo conference, Eni Mozambique said the key to keeping LNG wealth in-country is not just laws, but whether local firms can meet international contract standards—while citing over $1bn in awards to Mozambican businesses. Regional Security (SADC): SADC ministers meeting in Malawi called for stronger regional cooperation on conflict, terrorism and emerging threats, pointing to progress in Mozambique’s national dialogue and ongoing concerns in Cabo Delgado. South Africa–Migration: South Africa’s government reiterated it rejects xenophobia and vigilantism, saying migration enforcement is the state’s responsibility, while protests and repatriations continue to ripple through the region’s economies and communities. International Rights Row (Amnesty): Amnesty International UK withdrew a report that branded J.K. Rowling’s Beira’s Place as “anti-rights,” with the UK Charity Commission assessing concerns after backlash and threats of legal action.

Mozambique Energy & Mining: Mozambique has resolved a long-standing coal mining dispute through a settlement at ICSID, restoring a contested concession and clearing the way for renewed investment momentum in the extractive sector. Regional Security: SADC leaders meeting in Malawi called for stronger security cooperation to tackle conflict, terrorism and emerging threats, including progress in Mozambique’s national dialogue and ongoing concerns in Cabo Delgado. Mozambique Business & Jobs: Mozambique says it will formalise 10,000 co-ops under a 2026–2046 programme aimed at integrating 1.5 million informal operators and creating 500,000 jobs, with youth and women prioritised. Migration & Humanitarian Support (South Africa): South Africa’s Inter-Ministerial Committee reiterated it rejects xenophobia and vigilantism, while promising lawful, orderly migration management and humanitarian support for affected foreign nationals. Visa Access (Regional Mobility): Sierra Leone was excluded from South Africa’s 2026 visa-free list of 32 African countries, while Mozambique is also among nations listed for other regional eVisa arrangements. International Spotlight (Mozambique): Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said Moscow has permanently lost faith in Western peace promises, speaking in Maputo alongside Mozambique’s foreign minister.

Mozambique–Portugal Economic Push: President Daniel Chapo and António Seguro pledged deeper political and economic cooperation, stressing “trust” and pointing to reforms in mining and oil, local content rules and a new Development Bank of Mozambique. Justice for Vulnerable Mozambicans: The Justice Ministry urged IPAJ to expand free legal aid as a constitutional duty, while government also promised to implement CTA recommendations to cut the costs of doing business and improve liquidity and legal certainty. Power and SMEs: CTA and the Mphanda Nkuwa Hydroelectric Project signed an agreement to integrate SMEs into Mozambique’s future power infrastructure, as the dam is set to lift national generation capacity. Energy Diplomacy: Belarus’s foreign minister is set to visit Mozambique, with talks including joint projects using Mozambican ports for Belarusian exports. Immigration Access: Mozambique published an official list barring six nationalities from applying for visas via its eVisa portal in 2026, directing travellers to embassies instead. Regional Security: SADC ministers met in Malawi to review peace and security, focusing on eastern DRC conflict, terrorism, organised crime and cybercrime.

Mozambique Economy & Cost of Living: Mozambique’s urban prices rose 7.51% in June, with transport up 13.85% and food up 13.35%, as fuel hikes and flood impacts keep squeezing household budgets. Transport Subsidies: The Ministry of Transport and Logistics disbursed 128.8 million meticais to compensate public transport operators after May fuel price increases, covering mini-bus and bus operators in Greater Maputo. Mining Governance: Government set up a multisectoral commission to curb illegal mining, coordinating oversight and rehabilitation without stopping authorised operations. Regional Security: SADC ministers met in Malawi to review peace and security, focusing on eastern DRC conflict, terrorism, organised crime, cybercrime and governance. Mozambique Peace Efforts (Cabo Delgado): A Catholic bishop urged dialogue as key to lasting peace in Cabo Delgado, while the Church pledged pastoral and humanitarian support for affected communities. Immigration & Asylum Pressure (South Africa): South Africa’s repatriation programme continues at Musina, with daily processing numbers fluctuating as more people come forward for return. UK Aid Cuts Hit Mozambique: UK plans to cut bilateral aid by over 80% by 2029 would slash support to Mozambique to about £5m or less. Energy & Industry Risk: An IEA warning says China’s rare-earth export curbs could threaten $6.5tn in downstream production worldwide, with knock-on effects for high-tech, defence and energy.

Mozambique-Portugal Youth Push: President Daniel Chapo told the Presidents’ Dialogue in Lisbon that Mozambique and Portugal must invest in youth, science, technology and innovation, linking growth to education, research and sectors like tourism, agriculture and the blue economy. Fuel Security Move: Mozambique approved creating a state-owned National Petroleum Products Procurement Company (ENAPP) to centralise fuel procurement and strengthen energy security after recent supply disruptions. Church Governance Shock: Mozambique’s Diocese of Quelimane rejected claims tying its former chancellor to Bishop Osório Citora Afonso’s June 6 murder, as investigations point to deeper governance and accountability failures. Regional Climate Risk: Kenya could receive up to $100m (Sh13bn) from a UN El Niño emergency fund, with Mozambique also flagged among countries at high risk of climate shocks. Ukraine Diplomacy Hardens: In Maputo, Russia’s Lavrov said Moscow has permanently lost faith in Western peace promises, narrowing the diplomatic path to ending the war. South Africa Migration Narrative: South Africa’s Presidency rejected claims of “pariah state” isolation after a misinformation campaign linked to anti-illegal migration protests.