AGP Executive Report

Rail Revival in Zimbabwe: National Railways of Zimbabwe (NRZ) received a US$2.5m boost from Zimasco under a public-private partnership, refurbishing three locomotives and 100 wagons to help restore freight capacity and cut pressure on roads. Mozambique Security Build-Up: Mozambique is strengthening its counterterrorism response with a new National Centre for the Prevention and Combating of Terrorism and Violent Extremism, created in 2025, as analysts warn it remains underfunded and faces jurisdiction tensions. Rovuma LNG Momentum: Mozambique’s Rovuma LNG project is moving toward a new development phase, with partners reportedly awarding more than US$1.3bn in contracts as engineering and contracting activity ramps up. Public Administration Cooperation: Mozambique and Brazil signed an MoU to exchange experience and train staff in public procurement, payroll management, digital transformation and administrative modernization. Food Insecurity Snapshot: Nigeria tops the region’s severe hunger list, but Mozambique is also flagged with 3.5m people facing Crisis or worse food insecurity. Regional Travel Rule: South Africans crossing borders into Mozambique and other neighbours must declare goods and currency via SARS’s Traveller Management System ahead of travel.

Mozambique LNG push: Partners behind the long-delayed Rovuma LNG project are accelerating preparations for a new investment phase, with reports of over $1.3bn in contracts as ExxonMobil, Eni and others move toward development that could spur jobs, infrastructure and government revenues. Maputo energy spotlight: The Africa Gas & LNG Summit 2026 will be held in Maputo on 11–13 November, bringing leaders and investors to discuss turning gas into broader economic opportunity, with President Daniel Chapo and the Ministry of Mineral Resources and Energy backing the event. Political violence in Mozambique: Anamola says 57 of its members have been murdered since August 2025, citing the killing of Ilídio Facitela Gustavo, a Morrumbene mobiliser and alleged Mondlane trial witness. Regional governance and cooperation: Mozambique and Brazil signed an MoU to share public administration know-how, including public procurement, payroll management and digital transformation. Cross-border context: A Reuters report says African wild dogs can travel over 4,000km to find mates, highlighting how conservation across Zambia and neighbouring countries remains interconnected.

Mozambique Rights Crisis: Opposition leader Venâncio Mondlane says Mozambique’s political violence is worsening, alleging assassinations and the kidnapping and murder of a key witness ahead of his Supreme Court trial; his party ANAMOLA also reports a string of killings tied to its leadership and supporters. Church and Accountability: Maputo’s Archbishop Nunes urged newly ordained priests and deacons to serve with charity and pastoral care, warning against treating ministry as privilege. Diplomatic Tensions: Zimbabwe’s retired Gen. Engelbert Rugeje reportedly refused a proposed ambassador posting to Mozambique, reflecting internal ZANU PF power struggles. Rovuma LNG Momentum: Saipem and Jan De Nul signed a letter of intent with ExxonMobil Mozambique for Rovuma LNG Phase 1 upstream work, including subsea pipelines and manifolds, ahead of a final investment decision expected in 2026. Trade and Logistics: Hapag-Lloyd expanded its DP World terminal partnership to include Maputo, alongside other African ports, aiming to support long-term growth across the continent.

Opposition Violence in Mozambique: Venancio Mondlane’s ANAMOLA says killings of its leadership are escalating, with 57 party officials reported dead since March 2025, including the abduction and murder of mobiliser Ilídio Facitela Gustavo in Morrumbene, as the party urges urgent OHCHR intervention. Political Party Shake-up: ANAMOLA appoints James Mlando Fausto Njiji as interim secretary-general and names Alberto Manhique as national spokesperson, citing administrative continuity amid “current political challenges.” Justice and Safety: President Daniel Chapo inaugurates a Vilankulo District Court and calls for women’s active role in peacebuilding while warning that domestic violence harms child development, urging dialogue over abuse. Mining Regulation: Chapo says approval of the new mining law’s regulations will reorganise the sector and tighten control to prevent deaths linked to illegal mining, referencing the “six cars” landslide tragedy in Manica. Catholic Church Concern: Mozambique Catholic leaders say they are still “perplexed” over the bishop’s murder, demanding answers on who ordered and carried out the killing. Rovuma LNG Progress: Saipem and Jan De Nul sign an LOI with ExxonMobil Mozambique for Rovuma LNG Phase 1 upstream EPCI planning, targeting final investment decision and approvals by end-2026. Trade and Ports: Hapag-Lloyd expands its DP World terminal partnership to include Maputo, aiming to support long-term Africa growth and capacity. Regional Context: South Africa’s xenophobic violence continues to hit Nigerians, with two more deaths reported, bringing the total linked to the recent wave to seven.

Mozambique Politics: Anamola, led by Venancio Mondlane, says one of its Morrumbene witnesses, Ilídio Facitela Gustavo, was kidnapped and murdered, adding to a string of attacks on party supporters as Mondlane nears a Supreme Court trial. Party Appointments: Anamola also named James Njiji interim secretary-general and Alberto Manhique national spokesperson, citing the need to keep party structures running amid political pressure. Justice and Safety: President Daniel Chapo said approval of a new mining law regulation will reorganise the sector and strengthen oversight to curb illegal mining accidents, citing the deadly “six cars” mine collapse in Manica. Gender and Courts: Chapo urged women to help prevent domestic violence, linking it to harm to child development, as Vilankulo District Court was inaugurated. Catholic Church: Mozambique’s Catholic leaders said they are still waiting for answers three months after Bishop Osório Citora Afonso was shot dead, pressing authorities to clarify suspects, motives and masterminds. Regional Security: Xenophobia in South Africa has claimed two more Nigerians, bringing deaths linked to the violence to seven; Mozambique readers will note the wider impact on migrants across the region.

Mozambique Church: Catholic leaders say they are still “perplexed” after Bishop Osório Citora Afonso was shot dead in June, urging authorities to reveal suspects, motives and the “intellectual and material” authors behind the killing. Immigration & Travel: Mozambique has expanded Electronic Travel Authorisation access, with citizens of Côte d’Ivoire, Ghana and Senegal allowed to enter without a visa for up to 30 days. Parliament & Diplomacy: A Mozambican delegation led by National Assembly Speaker Margarida Adamugy Talapa is set to visit Zimbabwe for four days, with meetings planned on foreign affairs and parliamentary cooperation. Regional Security: Mozambique’s Catholic charity links the bishop’s murder to a wider rise in jihadist attacks in the country. Energy & Industry (Mozambique angle): Government officials challenge South Korean firms to invest in local processing of critical minerals and natural gas to move Mozambique beyond exporting raw materials.

Mozambique–Zimbabwe Diplomacy: A Mozambican parliamentary delegation led by Speaker Margarida Adamugy Talapa is set to arrive in Zimbabwe for a four-day official visit, with meetings planned in Harare including the new Parliament building and talks with Zimbabwe’s National Assembly leadership. Regional Travel Rules: Mozambique has expanded Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) access for African travellers, with citizens of Côte d’Ivoire, Ghana and Senegal able to enter without a traditional visa for up to 30 days. Natural Resources & Industry: Mozambique challenged South Korean firms to invest in local processing of critical minerals and natural gas to move beyond exporting raw materials, aiming for more jobs and higher value-added production. Conservation: Mozambique has formally protected Mount Mabu as a community conservation area, safeguarding a “butterfly forest” hotspot with hundreds of butterfly species and other endemic wildlife. Governance & Integrity: The World Bank Group debarred African Consulting Surveyors and its managing director from Mozambique’s Terra Segura land project over fraudulent and collusive procurement practices.

Mozambique–South Korea Investment Push: The Mozambican government challenged South Korean firms to invest in local processing of critical minerals and gas, aiming to move beyond exporting raw materials and boost jobs and industrial value chains. LNG Deal Pressure: A LNG summit company urged Bangladesh to reconsider cancelling its second FSRU project, arguing the alternative would cost the country hundreds of millions and weaken energy security. Visa Rules for Travel: Mozambique expanded Electronic Travel Authorisation access, with 29 countries now able to enter without a traditional visa for up to 30 days, while a smaller group of three African nations gets the streamlined ETA route. Conservation Spotlight: Mozambique formally protected Mount Mabu, creating a community conservation area to safeguard endemic wildlife, including the “butterfly forest” habitat. Land Project Sanctions: The World Bank Group debarred an African consulting firm and its managing director over fraudulent and collusive conduct tied to Mozambique’s Terra Segura land administration project. Business Climate Watch: Mozambique’s private sector body flagged foreign currency shortages and the fuel crisis as key constraints on operations, even as some macro indicators improved.

Rovuma LNG Deal: Saipem and Jan De Nul have signed a letter of intent with ExxonMobil for Rovuma LNG Phase 1 in Mozambique, covering early engineering and technical services worth about €11m, with a final contract tied to a positive investment decision and approvals expected this year. Land Governance: The World Bank Group has debarred African Consulting Surveyors and its managing director for fraudulent and collusive practices linked to Mozambique’s Terra Segura land administration project. Conservation: Mozambique has formally protected Mount Mabu in Lugela, creating a 9,341-hectare community conservation area to safeguard a “butterfly forest” habitat with more than 200 butterfly species. Digital Identity Export: A new push across the Global South is turning digital public infrastructure—especially national digital identity systems—into exportable governance and implementation playbooks, with Ethiopia highlighted through its Faydaverse initiative. Business Climate: Mozambique’s private sector says foreign currency shortages and the fuel crisis remain the main constraints, even as some macro indicators show mild improvement. Fisheries Skills: A Chinese-built higher polytechnic institute was inaugurated in Quissico to boost aquaculture, fish processing and logistics training for local jobs and reduced post-catch losses. Transport & Trade: Mutare Dry Port is set to open in early 2027 to ease congestion and speed cargo movement along key corridors.

Rovuma LNG Push: Saipem and Jan De Nul have signed a letter of intent with ExxonMobil for Rovuma LNG Phase 1 in Mozambique, covering early engineering and technical services worth about €11m, with a full contract still tied to final investment and approvals expected this year. Business Climate Watch: Mozambique’s CTA says foreign currency shortages (especially US dollars) and the fuel crisis are the biggest hurdles for the private sector, even as some macro indicators show slight improvement in 2nd-quarter 2026. IMF Talks: Mozambique’s Finance Ministry says an IMF assistance programme could be concluded by end-2026, aiming to address liquidity challenges and support fiscal consolidation under an Extended Credit Facility. Defence Cooperation: Mozambique and France agreed in Paris to deepen defence and security cooperation, including training and maritime security, with a focus on counter-terrorism. Fisheries Skills Boost: President Daniel Chapo inaugurated a Chinese-built Quissico Higher Polytechnic Institute to expand aquaculture, fish processing and logistics training, targeting reduced post-catch losses and better jobs. Church Update: Mozambique bishops say they still lack details on the June murder of Bishop Osório Citora Afonso of Quelimane, calling for answers. Regional Trade Facilitation: COMESA-EAC-SADC is training border officials at the Chiponde-Mandimba post between Malawi and Mozambique to cut costs and barriers for small-scale traders. Banking Pressure: Mozambique’s five biggest banks posted weaker profits in the first half of 2026, with lending contracting as conditions tighten.

Mozambique–Italy Cooperation: Italy’s ambassador to Mozambique, Gabriele Annis, visited the Ifpelac vocational training centre in Pemba, praising its organisation and “local content” approach, and said the embassy is assessing how to expand and modernise the facility to better meet current needs. Women’s Economic Empowerment: President Daniel Chapo announced grants for about 14,000 Mozambican women—100,000 meticais each—under a World Bank-supported initiative, linking business support to the fight against gender-based violence. Regional Trade Facilitation: The COMESA–EAC–SADC Tripartite is training border officials at the Chiponde–Mandimba post between Malawi and Mozambique to strengthen the Tripartite Simplified Trade Regime and cut costs for small-scale traders. Security and Justice: Mozambique’s bishops’ conference says it still lacks details on the June murder of Bishop Osório Citora Afonso of Quelimane, with questions unanswered three months on. Energy and Industry: Total Graphite appointed Lycopodium to review and update feasibility work for the Montepuez graphite project, aiming to improve processing options and economics ahead of potential financing and construction resumption. Public Health Research: Oxford leads a £10m RESPECT-TB programme tracking resistance to newer TB drugs, including research partners in Mozambique.

Women’s Economic Push: Mozambique President Daniel Chapo announced grants of 100,000 meticais for about 14,000 women to start businesses, linking empowerment to cutting gender-based violence and poverty. Police Violence Files: The “Decide” Electoral Platform handed the Attorney General’s Office (PGR) 1,137 files on alleged police violence from the 2024-2025 post-election protests, as Venâncio Mondlane faces a Supreme Court-linked trial process. Regional Security Diplomacy: Mozambique praised Zambia’s peaceful elections and called for stronger defence and security cooperation, with both sides urging tighter coordination against transnational crime. Health Research: Oxford leads a £10m RESPECT-TB programme tracking resistance to newer drug-resistant TB treatments, including work in Mozambique. Migration Pressure in the Region: South Africa processed 86,596 foreign nationals for deportation or repatriation, with Mozambicans among the largest groups, citing vulnerable border infrastructure. Drug Case Cross-Border Link: Nigeria’s NDLEA says it arrested and repatriated a fugitive linked to a 49.7kg heroin seizure, alleging he ran a hotel front in Mozambique.

Mozambique–Regional Security: Mozambique praised Zambia for peaceful elections and urged stronger defence and security cooperation as officials met in Maputo to tackle transnational crime. Drug Enforcement: NDLEA says it arrested and repatriated suspected kingpin Festus Ibewuike, alias Chidibest Ibewuike, after more than two years on the run, linking him to a 49.70kg heroin seizure at Lagos’s Murtala Muhammed Airport in February 2024. Gender Violence Commitments: South Africa’s Deputy Minister Mmapaseka Steve Letsike used a Southern Africa GBV Action Coalition meeting to stress that ending violence requires turning commitments into laws, budgets and real accountability. Education & Tech: Injini is backing an $125,000 AI EdTech venture builder across nine Southern African countries, including Mozambique, to move early-stage teams from ideas to market-ready products. Media Integrity: Mozambique plans a “Media Barometer” to measure public trust and track disinformation and deepfakes. Climate Risk: El Niño is strengthening, with Southern Africa facing higher drought risk that could hit planting and food security.

Mozambique Court Watch: Albino Forquilha, leader of PODEMOS, says he will testify in the trial of former presidential candidate Venancio Mondlane, accused over post-election unrest after the October 2024 vote. Anti-Corruption: Zambézia prosecutors have formally accused Marla Matos, daughter of the provincial governor, of misappropriating 10 million meticais meant to buy a vessel, with a preliminary hearing requested by her defence team. Trade & Borders: COMESA-EAC-SADC is training customs, immigration and border officials at the Chiponde–Mandimba post to speed up small-scale trade and cut costs on Malawi–Mozambique routes, including along the Nacala Corridor. Logistics & Industry: Mozambique’s business lobby CTA urges a major shift from road-only freight to more predictable coastal shipping to lower transport costs and improve national integration. Security & Tourism: A new Islamic State Mozambique attack on a hunting camp in Niassa raises fresh pressure on operators as security forces struggle to contain threats in key tourism areas.

Mozambique Politics & Justice: Opposition presidential candidate Venancio Mondlane is set to face trial at Mozambique’s Supreme Court over five charges tied to post-October 2024 election protests, with proceedings expected within months after a notice in late August. Security in Mozambique: Insurgents attacked a hunting lodge in Niassa, abducting about 11 people including a South African mechanic; Mozambican and South African authorities are coordinating searches as reports link the attack to Islamic State-linked militants. Agriculture & Governance: In Maputo’s Victory Day remarks, President Daniel Chapo said 10% of agricultural projects will be reserved for veterans of the liberation struggle, drawing criticism that it could sideline farmers, entrepreneurs and youth. Regional Trade & Finance: Malawi’s National Bank of Malawi is using Mozambique’s FACIM trade fair to expand regional business ties, with Chapo visiting its stand. Energy & Development: Mozambique’s ambassador in Geneva urged that climate justice must include peoples’ right to self-determination, arguing renewable energy cannot “greenwash” foreign occupation. Public Safety: Isuzu recalled thousands of D-Max 2026 bakkies across multiple countries, including Mozambique, over a possible brake pedal pivot pin defect.

Mozambique Politics & Courts: Opposition presidential candidate Venancio Mondlane is set to face trial at Mozambique’s Supreme Court over five charges tied to post-2024 election protests, with the court notifying him on 25 August and Mondlane expecting proceedings within months. Security in Cabo Delgado/Niassa: A South African mechanic is among about 11 people abducted during an attack on a hunting lodge in northern Mozambique’s Niassa province, with officials saying militants linked to Islamic State are suspected and embassy teams are monitoring the search. Economic Independence & Agriculture: President Daniel Chapo used Victory Day in Maputo to reaffirm “economic independence” as a top agenda item, including a new policy reserving 10% of agricultural projects for national liberation veterans. Regional Trade & Finance: Malawi’s National Bank of Malawi is using Mozambique’s FACIM trade fair to expand its regional footprint, boosted by Chapo’s visit to its stand. Humanitarian Crisis: UN OCHA reports nearly 945,000 people displaced within Cabo Delgado due to the ongoing insurgency, with insecurity continuing to disrupt livelihoods and aid access. Judicial Rights: Sierra Leone’s Chief Justice Komba Kamanda urged African courts to strengthen enforcement of women’s reproductive health rights under the Maputo Protocol.