AGP Executive Report

Food Import Controls: Mozambique’s Cereals Institute has suspended three major rice and wheat importers and seized 34,300 tonnes, as the government replaces a liberalised system with state approval of imports, suppliers and quantities. The move aims to curb alleged foreign-exchange abuses, but raises questions about oversight and food prices. Climate Resilience: At a disaster-risk conference in Maputo, President Daniel Chapo called for climate finance and “climate justice,” warning that Mozambique’s exposure to extreme weather demands stronger international support. SADC is also preparing for a potentially severe El Niño season. 2027 Budget: The cabinet’s proposed budget projects 427.8 billion meticais in revenue and 511.2 billion in spending, with 1.6% economic growth and a lower deficit target of 4.6% of GDP. Opposition and Courts: The Supreme Court rejected Venâncio Mondlane’s bid to livestream his November trial, while keeping the hearing open to the public. Separately, a court has ordered PODEMOS leaders to halt party activities pending internal elections, prompting a senior member to seek enforcement. Port Investment: Chapo launched a $150 million dredging project to deepen and widen Maputo Port’s access channel, aiming to accommodate larger ships and strengthen the regional trade corridor.

Public Finances: Cabinet-approved plans project 2027 state revenue of 427.8 billion meticais and spending of 511.2 billion, with the government aiming to cut the deficit to 4.6% of GDP. Political Accountability: The Supreme Court rejected Venâncio Mondlane’s appeal to broadcast his November trial live, while keeping the hearing open to the public and allowing written media coverage. Separately, a PODEMOS member has asked a Maputo court to check whether the party’s leaders are obeying an order to suspend activities until internal elections. Political Violence: Anamola says a senior party mobilizer was shot dead at his home in Zambézia and reports nearly 60 killings of its members since the party’s creation; rights advocates are urging an independent investigation. Climate and Infrastructure: President Daniel Chapo called for climate finance and justice for vulnerable countries, as Mozambique launched a $150 million Maputo Port channel-dredging project to admit larger vessels.

Political Violence: Anamola says senior Zambézia organiser Araújo Tendence was shot dead at home, and reports nearly 60 killings of party members since August 2025. Rights group CDD called for independent, swift investigations and criticised President Daniel Chapo’s silence. Port Investment: Chapo launched a $150 million dredging project to deepen Maputo Port’s access channel and accommodate larger ships, part of a wider port-modernisation programme. Education: Chapo urged a system to recognise high-performing teachers as educators continue to press for unpaid overtime. Public Finance: The government plans to introduce AI and data analytics into treasury, debt and state-asset management, with the aim of integrating core processes into e-SISTAFE by 2035. Security and Debt: Chapo says holders of illegal firearms can surrender them without penalty until December, after which authorities will pursue forced recovery. The World Bank also lists Mozambique among countries facing acute debt vulnerability.

Port Investment: President Daniel Chapo launched a $150 million dredging project at Maputo Port to admit larger ships, part of a wider $2 billion programme to modernise the country’s ports. Public Finance: Mozambique plans to bring AI and data analytics into treasury, debt and state-asset management, with the goal of integrating core processes into the e-SISTAFE system by 2035. Education: Chapo called for a system to reward teachers for merit and performance, as an unresolved dispute over unpaid overtime continues to strain relations with teachers’ groups. Debt Pressures: The World Bank lists Mozambique among countries facing acute debt vulnerabilities and says restoring debt sustainability will require measures to put public debt on a firmer path. Security: Chapo urged people holding illegal firearms to surrender them voluntarily before a December deadline; forced recovery and legal consequences are expected afterward. Regional Ties: During his visit to the Republic of Congo, Chapo signed cooperation agreements spanning areas including hydrocarbons, fisheries, forestry and small businesses, and called for political ties to deliver more trade and jobs.

Public Finance: Mozambique plans to introduce AI and data analytics in treasury, debt and state-asset management, with a goal of integrating core processes into e-SISTAFE by 2035. Security: President Daniel Chapo says people can surrender illegal firearms without penalty until December; after that, police will begin compulsory recovery, while he urged officers to respect citizens’ rights. Public Transport: The government cannot say when it will pay overdue operator compensation but is limiting a proposed fare rise to five meticais, far below operators’ request; talks are due on 26 October. Regional Ties: Chapo’s visit to Congo produced about ten cooperation agreements spanning energy, fisheries, forestry and small businesses, with a push to turn political ties into investment and jobs. Regulation: Mozambique’s communications regulator is seeking to formalise postal deliveries as unlicensed parcel services grow alongside e-commerce. Marine Protection: Mozambique joined nine countries in adopting 15 Western Indian Ocean conservation decisions; experts say governments must turn the pledges into laws, budgets and enforcement.

Security and Policing: President Daniel Chapo says authorities will forcibly collect illegally held firearms after December, when an amnesty allowing people to surrender weapons without penalty expires. He also urged police to respect the law and citizens’ rights. Postal Regulation: Mozambique’s communications regulator is pushing to modernise the postal sector as e-commerce grows, citing unlicensed parcel deliveries and gaps in oversight and consumer protection. Civic Freedoms: A report on young people’s voices in Mozambique highlights the risks of speaking publicly about corruption, inequality and police conduct, despite constitutional protections for free expression. Foreign Policy and Investment: At the UN, Mozambique renewed its call for a referendum on Western Sahara’s self-determination. In Tete, President Chapo joined an investment conference during an Italian delegation’s visit focused on cooperation in energy, agriculture and infrastructure.

Security and Arms: President Daniel Chapo urged people to surrender illegal firearms voluntarily by December, warning that authorities would collect them after the amnesty ends. He said those who hand in weapons during the programme will not be questioned or punished. Political Rights: A commentary on youth voices in Mozambique highlights a gap between constitutional guarantees of free expression and the risks young people face when speaking out on corruption, inequality and police conduct. National Dialogue: Mozambique’s National Dialogue has moved to consolidating proposals following hearings with the diaspora, a key step in a process aimed at addressing the country’s political challenges. Regional Diplomacy: Mozambique and Tanzania have adopted joint measures to address security threats, while Maputo reiterated at the UN its support for a self-determination referendum in Western Sahara.

Security: President Daniel Chapo says authorities will forcibly collect illegally held firearms after December, urging citizens to surrender them under the amnesty and telling police to respect the law and human rights. Diplomacy: At the UN, Mozambique reaffirmed support for a self-determination referendum in Western Sahara, still awaited since 1990. Regional cooperation: Mozambique and Tanzania have agreed on joint measures against security threats, including stronger defence and security ties. National Dialogue: The process has moved to consolidating proposals following hearings with the diaspora.

Security: Mozambique and Tanzania have agreed on joint measures to tackle security threats, as a separate report warns the Mozambican army is losing ground in its counter-insurgency campaign. Economic Outlook: The government has cut its 2026 growth forecast to 0.9% and says it plans to repay 81.3 billion meticais owed to suppliers, a major test of public finances. Political Accountability: A Maputo court has temporarily barred Podemos’ central bodies from acting after a former secretary-general challenged their expired mandates, putting party leader Albino Forquilha’s position in question. National Dialogue: Talks have moved to consolidating proposals after diaspora hearings, while the Bar Association has stressed that lasting peace must respect the Constitution. Nacala Port: The government expects to choose a private operator by March, but scrutiny is growing over whether the wider commercial and political system around the port can support fair, accountable management.

Regional Security: Mozambique and Tanzania have agreed on joint measures to counter security threats, deepening cooperation as the country faces an ongoing insurgency in the north. Resettlement: President Daniel Chapo handed over a resettlement complex in Tete, part of efforts to support communities displaced by conflict. Economic Governance: The government cut its 2026 growth forecast to 0.9% and announced a plan to repay 81.3 billion meticais owed to suppliers. National Dialogue: The government-led dialogue has moved to consolidating proposals after hearings with the diaspora, with the next test being whether the process delivers concrete reforms. Party Politics: A court dispute over Podemos’ leadership has put the tenure of its central bodies in question, highlighting deepening tensions inside the opposition party.

Port Governance: Nacala’s planned private-operator tender, expected by March, faces a wider test than efficiency: an analysis points to questions over political and commercial influence, including allegations in a $150 million commodities dispute now before arbitration. Regional Security: Mozambique and Tanzania agreed to strengthen border coordination and information-sharing against terrorism and organised crime, with Cabo Delgado among the security concerns. Diplomacy and Development: President Daniel Chapo’s visit to Congo produced 10 cooperation agreements spanning energy, maritime affairs and business; in Tete, he handed over a resettlement complex for households affected by mining. Political Dialogue: Mozambique’s National Dialogue has moved to consolidating proposals after diaspora hearings, keeping a key political process in focus. Public Finances: The government has revised projected growth down to 0.9% and announced a plan to settle 81.3 billion meticais in supplier arrears.

Regional Security: Mozambique and Tanzania agreed to strengthen border security, share intelligence and coordinate responses to terrorism and organized crime, with Cabo Delgado a key concern. Mining & Communities: President Daniel Chapo handed over a Vulcan-funded resettlement complex in Tete, providing housing and public services for households affected by coal mining. Diplomacy: Chapo’s visit to Congo produced 10 cooperation agreements covering energy, maritime affairs, fisheries, tourism and political consultations. Economic Outlook: The government cut its GDP growth forecast to 0.9%, underscoring the pressure on economic recovery. Regional Ties: Mozambique and Botswana agreed to upgrade their cooperation framework to a president-led Binational Commission, aimed at tracking trade and investment commitments. National Dialogue: Consultations moved into consolidating proposals after hearings with the diaspora.

Economic Outlook: Mozambique has cut its 2026 growth forecast to 0.9% from 2.8%, with flooding and economic shocks weighing on activity; the government also warns El Niño could hit 52 districts. Public Finances: The government plans to validate 81.3 billion meticais in supplier debts within 90 days and pay small suppliers 6 billion meticais a year, while tightening controls on new commitments. Mining and Revenue: Abu Dhabi’s IRH has offered to acquire Kenmare Resources, which operates the Moma titanium mine; Kenmare is also negotiating with Maputo to extend its mineral-processing and export rights in return for higher royalties. Foreign Relations: President Daniel Chapo is expected to visit Russia this month, where the two governments hope to sign cooperation agreements and attract investment. Regional Security: Mozambique and Tanzania have signed new defence and security agreements, including measures to protect peace and citizens in both countries.

Economic Outlook: The government has cut its 2026 growth forecast to 0.9% from 2.8%, citing floods and economic shocks. It says a reconstruction plan is under way, as forecasters warn of possible El Niño impacts across 52 districts. Public Finances: Maputo plans to validate MZN81.3 billion in obligations and pay small suppliers MZN6 billion a year, while tightening controls to prevent new arrears. Climate Finance: Mozambique has mobilized $47 million for climate response and sustainable energy, with Belgian and Mozambican agencies set to implement projects. Trade Enforcement: Agriculture Minister Roberto Albino says cashew smuggling cost the state MZN457 million over three years and wants the trade treated as a criminal offence. Diplomacy: President Daniel Chapo is expected to visit Russia this month, where the countries hope to sign cooperation agreements. Security: A South African mechanic abducted in a September attack on a camp in Niassa has been released unharmed; seven others reportedly remain unaccounted for.

Regional Security: Tanzania and Mozambique have agreed to deepen military, intelligence and border cooperation against terrorism and cross-border crime. The pact comes as a South African mechanic abducted from a camp in Niassa was released after nearly a month; Pretoria thanked Maputo for helping secure his release. Public Finance: Finance Minister Carla Loveira puts state obligations to suppliers at MZN81.3bn. Planned annual repayments of MZN6bn would clear only a fraction, while the government also plans to invest MZN6.4bn a year in a development bank—raising questions about budget priorities. National Dialogue: Mozambique’s national dialogue has moved to consolidating proposals after diaspora hearings. The Bar Association says lasting peace must respect the Constitution. Displacement and Jobs: IOM reports more than 730,000 displaced people have returned to their areas, though Cabo Delgado still hosts 449,876. A new agreement with Qatar creates a framework for safe, rights-protected labour recruitment, but does not mean jobs are immediately available.

Security and Displacement: Four people kidnapped in Cabo Delgado were released after their families reportedly paid a ransom; residents remain fearful as insurgents target communities. More than 730,000 displaced people have returned home, but Cabo Delgado still hosts 449,876 displaced people—68% of the national total. National Dialogue: Mozambique’s inclusive dialogue has moved to consolidating proposals after diaspora hearings in nine countries. Ten working groups will organize contributions on issues including constitutional and electoral reform, justice and natural resources. Police Administration: Interior Minister Paulo Chachine urged PRM officials to strengthen emergency response and ensure transparent financial management as new police leaders took office. Transport Policy: Transport Minister João Matlombe is promoting coastal shipping as a way to ease pressure on roads and improve domestic freight links. Labour Migration: Mozambique and Qatar signed an agreement to create formal channels for Mozambicans seeking work in Qatar, with safeguards for workers’ rights; no vacancies or applications have yet been announced.