AGP Executive Report

Green Transport: BAIC FOTON says it has signed a project for 200 new-energy vehicles in Mozambique, part of a wider African push for local manufacturing and cleaner transport. Energy Sector: Mozambican firm KKLM Enterprise is pursuing new opportunities with Nigerian partner Dubi Energies after discussions at African Energy Week. Separately, ExxonMobil has increased its stake in the Rovuma LNG project through a swap deal with Eni. Transport Links: Mozambique is considering private operators for parts of its national rail network to attract freight and strengthen its role as a regional transit hub. Russia and Mozambique are also discussing direct flights between Moscow and Nacala. Climate Readiness: A study found that although 77% of surveyed people in Mozambique received severe-weather warnings, fewer than half of those notified evacuated, with late alerts and limited resources among the barriers.

Air Links: Mozambique and Russia are assessing direct flights between Moscow and Nacala, whose port and airport could also serve neighbouring countries. No launch date has been set. Rail Network: State rail operator CFM plans to invite private companies to run selected sections, aiming to attract freight while retaining public control of the infrastructure. Energy: ExxonMobil has increased its stake in the Rovuma LNG project through a swap with Eni, strengthening its position in one of Mozambique’s major gas developments. Local Business: Fifty-three Mozambican SMEs have prepared for international quality certification, while a new financing partnership aims to help local firms compete for energy-sector contracts. Regional Trade: The Beira Corridor Forum urged coordinated investment in fuel links; the Beira–Feruka pipeline is planned to expand capacity by December 2027. Basketball: Ferroviário da Beira fell 87–85 to Zambia’s Munali Suns after surrendering a half-time lead in a Road to BAL qualifier.

Rail and Trade: State-owned CFM plans to invite private operators onto selected rail lines to attract freight and strengthen Mozambique’s role as a regional transit hub. The network carried 3.6 million tonnes in the first quarter, up 14.9% year on year; routes and tender dates are still unknown. Regional Fuel Links: Malawi’s president says fuel shortages stem from transport difficulties, despite supplies being available at Nacala and Beira. A Beira Corridor expansion is also set to raise pipeline capacity from three million to five million cubic metres a year by December 2027. Gas Investment: ExxonMobil has increased its stake in Mozambique’s Rovuma LNG project through a swap deal with Eni, seeking greater control of a major future production project. Cabo Delgado: EU and Rwandan diplomats discussed security cooperation as attacks and fears of violence drove nearly 6,000 people from their homes in September and October. Local Business: Fifty-three Mozambican SMEs completed preparations for international quality certification, with a new financing partnership aimed at helping local firms compete for energy-sector work.

Rail Reform: State-owned CFM plans tenders allowing private companies to operate selected sections of Mozambique’s rail network, aiming to attract freight and strengthen the country’s role as a regional transit hub. The railway carried 3.6 million tonnes in the first quarter, up 14.9% year on year. Legal Case: Zambia’s former MP Emmanuel Jay Jay Banda’s mother has asked the Lusaka High Court to order his release or production in court, saying the family has been unable to locate or access him since his reported apprehension in Mozambique on October 14. Beira Corridor: Regional leaders and industry representatives urged stronger cooperation on fuel security. An expansion of the Beira–Feruka pipeline is expected to lift annual capacity from three million to five million cubic metres by December 2027. Local Business: Fifty-three Mozambican SMEs completed preparations for international quality certification, while a new financing partnership aims to help local firms compete for energy-sector work. Cabo Delgado: The EU’s new ambassador and Rwanda’s high commissioner discussed security coordination as attacks and displacement continue in the province.

LNG Investment: ExxonMobil has agreed to raise its stake in Mozambique’s Rovuma LNG project to 50% through a swap deal with Eni, expanding its role in one of the country’s major gas developments. Regional Fuel Security: The Beira Corridor Forum urged coordinated investment as the Beira–Feruka pipeline expands its annual capacity from three million to five million cubic metres by December 2027, strengthening supply links across Southern Africa. Local Business: Fifty-three Mozambican SMEs completed preparations for international quality certification, while a new financing partnership aims to improve local firms’ access to capital and energy-sector opportunities. Cabo Delgado: The EU’s new ambassador and Rwanda’s high commissioner met in Maputo to discuss security cooperation as attacks and fears of further violence displaced nearly 6,000 people in September and October. Economic Diversification: President Daniel Chapo said Mozambique is seeking Russian investment and broader cooperation in agriculture, infrastructure, transport, energy and technology to reduce reliance on extractive industries. Public Services: The latest business census counted 14,462 registered non-profit entities, employing 136,269 people and generating about 117.4 billion meticais in annual revenue.

Fuel Security: The Beira Corridor Forum urged regional cooperation as the Beira–Feruka pipeline expansion aims to lift annual capacity from three million to five million cubic metres by December 2027, strengthening fuel supplies to Mozambique and its neighbours. Local Trade: Construction of an 81-million-metical wholesale market in Milange is intended to boost cross-border trade with Malawi and give local agricultural produce a modern marketplace. Business and Communities: Mozambique’s statistics institute counted 14,462 registered non-profits, alongside 112,784 formally registered companies, in its latest census. Agriculture: Mozambique and China are advancing a cassava project in Gaza and Inhambane, targeting local processing, farmer jobs and export opportunities. Investment: At the Russia–Africa summit, President Daniel Chapo invited Russian investors to explore opportunities in agriculture, energy, infrastructure and other sectors, stressing the need for lasting local benefits. Public Services: The government is promoting AI to speed up administration and bring services closer to citizens. Conflict: A new religious-freedom report says more than 1,000 Christians have been killed in northern Mozambique since 2017 and warns of worsening persecution across parts of Africa.

Digital Government: Mozambique is promoting artificial intelligence to speed up public administration and bring services closer to citizens, Communications Minister Américo Muchanga said at a Maputo workshop. Russia Ties: President Daniel Chapo invited Russian companies to invest in infrastructure, energy, agriculture, transport and other sectors, seeking long-term partnerships. Public Services: Ombudsman Isaque Chande says funding shortages, bureaucracy, staff gaps and corruption are weakening government services. The economy grew 1.7% in the second quarter, but the central bank says the recovery is too weak to improve living standards. Health: Nampula Central Hospital recorded 378 strokes from January to September, up about 30% year on year; stroke deaths fell as diagnosis and treatment improved. Forests: Fires destroyed 70% of replanted trees in central Mozambique’s Tónduè Forest, while weak monitoring and delayed community payments hinder restoration. Regional Energy: South Africa’s first gas-power tender failed to secure a single project because bidders could not guarantee fuel supplies; the country imports much of its gas from Mozambique.

Public Services: Mozambique’s Ombudsman says budget shortages, bureaucracy, crumbling infrastructure and staff gaps are weakening government services, while corruption remains a major obstacle. Economic Outlook: Growth reached 1.7% in the second quarter after a 0.2% contraction in 2025, but the central bank says it is still too weak to improve living conditions; high public debt and inflation continue to weigh on the recovery. Health: Nampula Central Hospital recorded 378 stroke cases from January to September, up about 30% year on year. Deaths fell to 39 from 48, but late arrivals remain a concern. Environment: Fires destroyed 70% of replanted trees in central Mozambique’s Tónduè Forest, while infrequent monitoring and unpaid community carbon-credit funds hamper restoration. Debt: After rescheduling payments to China, Mozambique plans further talks with bilateral creditors to ease pressure on public finances without a full debt overhaul. Cabo Delgado: Rehabilitated water systems are expected to improve access to safe water for nearly 20,000 people in three communities.

Debt: Mozambique will seek further relief from bilateral creditors after reaching a debt rescheduling deal with China. The government says it needs another $528 million in external funding alongside a prospective IMF programme. Diplomacy: President Daniel Chapo met Vladimir Putin in Moscow on October 27 during the Gas Exporting Countries Forum summit, as the two countries look to strengthen ties. Cabo Delgado: Rehabilitated water systems in Mueda are expected to bring safer water to nearly 20,000 people, easing long journeys to collect it. Jobs: A new 20-year co-operative programme aims to formalise 1.5 million informal workers and create 500,000 jobs by 2046. Business and Energy: Syrah Resources reported strong third-quarter production at its Balama graphite mine and said its Mozambique subsidiary is due to receive a $15 million loan. Mozambican SME ROSCONSULT also hailed African Energy Week as a platform for new partnerships and growth.

Energy Diplomacy: President Daniel Chapo called for closer coordination between gas producers and consumers at the Moscow summit, saying Mozambique aims to lift LNG export capacity above 35 million tonnes a year while millions of Africans still lack electricity. China Debt Deal: Maputo signed an agreement to restructure public debt with China, easing near-term budget pressure and aligning repayments with the country’s financial capacity. New Air Link: Ethiopian Airlines has begun three weekly flights to Nacala, its third Mozambican destination, opening new connections for tourism, trade and investment. Jobs and Enterprise: A 20-year cooperative programme aims to create 500,000 jobs and formalise 1.5 million informal workers. Government figures show SMEs employed 9.3 million people in 2025, with women owning 56% of businesses. Digital Connectivity: Mozambique’s communications regulator and FUNDEC are exploring cooperation on rural access, digital services and business connectivity. Regional Gas Risks: South Africa’s first gas-to-power tender failed to select a bidder because companies could not guarantee supplies; the country relies heavily on Mozambican gas, where declining volumes threaten industrial users.

Rovuma LNG: A subcontractor has won the first reported construction contract at Mozambique’s LNG projects since force majeure was lifted. RBR Group says the modest award is for worker accommodation at the Rovuma project, with further tenders in the pipeline. Russia Ties: President Daniel Chapo met Vladimir Putin in Moscow ahead of the Russia-Africa summit. The two sides are discussing agreements on transport, logistics and economic cooperation, though their practical impact remains to be seen. Food Industry: Helios Investment Partners agreed to buy up to 49% of Merec, Mozambique’s largest flour miller. The deal is expected to close by year-end, subject to approvals. Nacala Links: Ethiopian Airlines is adding thrice-weekly flights to Nacala, expanding its Mozambique network. Press Safety: A new investigation revisits the killing of blogger Albino Sibia, shot while livestreaming a 2024 protest in Ressano Garcia. Sibia had reported on local pollution and unrest.

Diplomacy: President Daniel Chapo met Russian officials at the Russia-Africa summit, calling for stronger historic ties and expanded economic and trade cooperation. He is also expected to hold talks with President Vladimir Putin at the Gas Exporting Countries Forum in Moscow. Food Industry: Helios Investment Partners has agreed to acquire up to 49% of Merec Industries, Mozambique’s largest flour miller. The deal, subject to regulatory approval, is expected to close by year-end; current owner Invictus will retain majority control. Transport: Ethiopian Airlines launched thrice-weekly flights to Nacala via Blantyre, making it the carrier’s third destination in Mozambique and adding a new link to its Addis Ababa hub. Border Security: A Mozambican man was sentenced to 10 years in South Africa after pleading guilty to smuggling a military-grade mortar bomb across the Lebombo border.

Food Industry: Helios Investment Partners plans to buy up to 49% of Merec, Mozambique’s largest flour miller. Owner Invictus will retain control, with the deal subject to regulatory approval and expected to close by year-end. Merec operates mills and grain facilities in Maputo, Beira and Nacala. Agriculture: Vietnam and Mozambique are advancing cooperation in rice, soybean and vegetable production, alongside training and technical support. LNG Dispute: A US judge has allowed Mozambicans challenging a $4.7 billion US Export-Import Bank loan for a gas project to use pseudonyms, citing fears of retaliation. Border Security: A 26-year-old Mozambican man was sentenced in South Africa to 10 years in prison for bringing a military-grade mortar bomb through the Lebombo border post. Tuna Bonds: Mozambique can pursue compensation from the widow of Lebanese tycoon Iskandar Safa over his alleged role in the $2 billion corruption scandal, after a London court cleared the way for the claim. Aviation: Mozambique has cut the estimated cost of its 2026–2045 aviation master plan from $710 million to $420 million, and is working with the African Development Bank to secure funding.

Public Investment: The government plans to add 3.6 billion meticais to the 2026 investment budget, mainly for repairing flood-damaged infrastructure, using unspent LNG revenue. Cabo Delgado: Three fishermen escaped after militants abducted them from a group of 20 in Mocímboa da Praia; the others’ whereabouts were not reported. Aviation: Mozambique has cut the projected cost of its 2026–2045 aviation master plan from $710 million to $420 million, with airport upgrades and improved safety and connectivity among its priorities. Investment: Maputo will host an international investment congress on December 9–10, bringing together businesses, financiers and officials to discuss sectors including agriculture, energy and transport. Tuna Bonds: A London court has cleared the way for Mozambique to seek compensation from the widow of businessman Iskandar Safa over his alleged role in the $2 billion scandal. Mining: NeoTerra says its stake in the Monte Muambe project has risen to 70%, following progress on a mining licence and exploration work. Sport: Mozambique’s U-15 side drew 1–1 with Venezuela at the FIFA World Cup and Festival in Azerbaijan; club side Black Bulls have qualified for the CAF Confederation Cup group stage.

Public Investment: The government plans to add 3.6 billion meticais to the 2026 public investment budget, largely to repair flood-damaged infrastructure, using unspent LNG revenue held in the Sovereign Wealth Fund. Cabo Delgado Security: Three of 20 fishermen abducted after their boat was hijacked in Mocímboa da Praia escaped captivity and returned to their families. Jobs and Cooperatives: A new 20-year programme aims to create 500,000 jobs by formalising 10,000 cooperatives and bringing 1.5 million informal workers into the formal economy. Resource Security: At the Tana Forum, President Daniel Chapo urged African cooperation to protect natural resources, linking the need for vigilance to growing competition over minerals, gas and oil. Regional Ties: Mozambique and India are seeking closer agricultural cooperation, including agro-processing and expanded rice trade.

Resource Sovereignty: President Daniel Chapo urged African countries to work together to protect strategic minerals, gas and oil at the Tana Forum in Ethiopia. He pointed to the timing of gas discoveries in Cabo Delgado and the emergence of insurgency, while Ghana’s President John Mahama said resource exploitation and local marginalisation can fuel conflict. Jobs and Cooperatives: The government’s 20-year cooperative plan aims to formalise 10,000 cooperatives, bring 1.5 million informal workers into the formal economy and create 500,000 jobs. Energy Investment: Mozambique has entrusted a small solar-panel factory to UAE-based Jampur Group, a bid to build local capacity as the country pursues major energy projects. Digital Skills and Safety: Mozambique’s technology institute held cybersecurity sessions for students and civil servants, covering online scams, account security and responsible AI use. The country has also unveiled an AI education platform supporting local languages. Agriculture: Mozambique and Vietnam are exploring closer cooperation in cashew processing and other crops, as Maputo seeks to add more value to farm exports.