AGP Executive Report

Mozambique Energy & Mining: Mozambique has resolved a long-standing coal mining dispute through an ICSID settlement, restoring a contested concession and clearing the way for a potential takeover by a major Indian steelmaker—an investor-confidence boost for the extractives sector. Mozambique Local Content & Jobs: The government approved a 2026–2046 National Cooperative Development Program to formalise 10,000 co-ops, integrate 1.5 million informal operators, and create 500,000 jobs, with targets for youth and women and links to agriculture, fisheries, forestry and mining supply chains. Mozambique LNG & Procurement: At Maputo’s CASP conference, Eni Mozambique said the key to capturing LNG value locally is competitiveness of Mozambican firms, citing over $1bn in contracts already awarded to local businesses. Regional Security: SADC ministers called for stronger cooperation on conflict, terrorism and emerging threats, noting progress in Mozambique’s national dialogue while flagging Cabo Delgado terrorism risks. South Africa Retail & Competition: A Gauteng High Court ordered Spar to vacate a Midrand shopping centre, paving the way for Shoprite’s expansion and underlining intensifying grocery competition. South Africa Migration Backlash: South Africa continues processing deportations and repatriations, with government reiterating rejection of xenophobia and vigilantism amid ongoing regional concern. South Africa Illegal Mining: After two SANDF soldiers died during an anti-illegal mining operation, MACUA urged parliament to probe the full illegal mining value chain, including high-level beneficiaries. UK Aid Cuts: NGOs warn Britain’s planned aid reductions could hit Mozambique and Malawi hardest, with Mozambique facing steep cuts by 2029. AI Governance: Indonesia joined WAICO as a founding member to accelerate AI development and governance cooperation, with Mozambique listed among founding states. Data Centres Investment: Raxio Group passed $380m in committed capital as AI-driven demand lifts contracted power capacity across its African data-centre footprint, including Mozambique.

Mozambique Business & Policy: Mozambique has announced a plan to formalise 10,000 co-ops under a 2026–2046 National Cooperative Development Program, aiming to bring 1.5 million informal operators into the formal economy and create 500,000 jobs by 2046, with targets for youth and women leadership and support across agriculture, fisheries, forestry and mining. Private Sector Reform: At the 21st Annual Private Sector Conference in Maputo, the economy minister pledged deeper public-private dialogue to cut the costs of doing business, improve liquidity and legal certainty, and monitor reforms with a new action plan and dialogue model. Power & SME Linkages: CTA and the Mphanda Nkuwa Hydroelectric Project signed a cooperation agreement to integrate SMEs into the future Zambezi infrastructure supply chain, as Mozambique targets major capacity expansion. Energy & Gas: Mozambique is also moving to deepen economic cooperation with Portugal, with leaders citing trust, rule-of-law reforms and a more attractive business climate for investment. Health Regulation: ANARME ordered an immediate suspension of malaria, HIV and HIV/syphilis RDTs from Meril Diagnostics, citing critical quality management failures flagged by WHO and national health institutes. Regional Migration Shock (South Africa): South Africa’s inter-ministerial committee says it is facilitating deportation and repatriation while rejecting vigilantism and xenophobia, reporting 53,449 foreign nationals processed by July 11—figures dominated by Malawians, followed by Zimbabweans and Mozambicans. Mining & Investment Signals: Total Graphite paused production at its Vatomina mine in Madagascar for optimisation work, while pointing to cash support and ongoing Mozambique feasibility study progress; separately, FDI analysis shows Africa’s inflows in 2025 skewed heavily toward minerals, hydrocarbons and energy infrastructure. AI & Global Cooperation: Mozambique is listed among founding members of a new World AI Cooperation Organisation (WAICO), reflecting growing regional participation in AI governance discussions.

Mozambique Energy & Investment: Mozambique is in direct talks with ExxonMobil to secure gas supply for a planned 400MW thermal power plant in Palma, aiming to turn domestic gas allocation into usable power alongside major LNG projects. Mining Governance: The government has decided to create a Multisectoral Commission for Mining Management, Oversight and Rehabilitation to better coordinate and monitor mining and curb illegal activity without automatically stopping licensed operations. Cost of Living: Mozambique’s urban prices rose 7.51% in June, with fuel hikes and flood impacts still biting; transport and food costs were the biggest drivers. Immigration & Travel Rules: Mozambique published 2026 eVisa eligibility lists for African countries and also barred six nationalities (including Nigeria) from using the eVisa route, pushing affected travellers to conventional visa channels. Regional Security: SADC ministers met in Malawi to review peace and security, focusing on eastern DRC conflict, terrorism, organised crime, cybercrime and governance. Energy Security Debate: A new IEA warning says China’s rare-earth export curbs could threaten up to $6.5tn in downstream production globally, underlining supply-chain risk for high-tech and defence-linked industries. Migration Pressure in the Region: South Africa’s deportation/repatriation drive has processed 53,449 people since the 30 June shutdown, with Malawians the largest group and Mozambique among the next highest nationalities.

Mozambique eVisa 2026: The National Immigration Service has published the full list of African countries eligible for Mozambique’s online eVisa, with rules also covering longer stays and visa categories beyond tourism and business. Immigration restrictions: Mozambique also says citizens of six countries—including Nigeria—cannot apply for an e-Visa in 2026 and must use conventional visa channels instead. Cost of living pressure: Mozambique’s urban prices rose 7.51% in June, driven mainly by fuel hikes and flood impacts, with transport and food costs climbing fastest. Mining oversight: Government approved a Multisectoral Commission for Mining Management, Oversight and Rehabilitation to curb illegal mining while allowing authorised operations to continue. Fuel security push: Mozambique approved a state-owned petroleum products procurement company (ENAPP) to centralise fuel buying and improve supply and emergency response after recent shortages. Regional security: SADC ministers met in Malawi to review peace and security, focusing on DRC conflict, terrorism, organised crime and cybercrime. Energy transition debate: A new IEA report warns critical minerals supply risks could threaten trillions in production if export controls and disruptions intensify. Business flashpoint: A Mozambican salon owner went viral after allegedly destroying her own business during an eviction dispute amid wider anti-migrant tensions in South Africa.

Fuel Security Overhaul: Mozambique approved the creation of ENAPP, a state-owned company to centralize procurement and management of petroleum products, replacing the long-running Imopetro model and aiming to improve oversight, efficiency and emergency response after recent fuel disruptions. Tax Dispute in Energy: Mozambique also reiterated that Portuguese firm Galp must pay taxes claimed by the tax authority tied to its Area 4 Rovuma Basin stake sale, with Galp having pursued international arbitration. Private Sector Push for Reforms: CTA urged structural reforms to cut the cost of doing business, tackle foreign-currency shortages, speed up state payments and VAT refunds, and improve legal predictability to unlock investment and exports. Agri-Industry Agenda: Mozambique’s agriculture minister challenged private firms to scale structural projects for food self-sufficiency, including irrigation partnerships and lower production costs (energy, water and fuel tariffs). Energy Transition Theme: President Chapo said natural resources must drive diversification and industrialization, with gas revenues expected to fund broader sectors beyond extraction. Regional Business Context: SADC officials met in Johannesburg for training on smarter public spending and cost-benefit approaches to stretch limited budgets.

Energy Security Overhaul: Mozambique approved ENAPP, a state-owned company to centralize procurement and management of petroleum products, replacing a 30-year model and aiming to curb fuel shortages by giving the state tighter control over imports, distribution, and emergency response. Tax Fight in Oil & Gas: Mozambique reiterated that Portuguese firm Galp must pay taxes claimed by the Tax Authority after Galp’s Area 4 stake sale in the Rovuma Basin, with the dispute tied to capital gains and ongoing arbitration. Private Sector Push for Reforms: Mozambique’s CTA urged structural reforms to cut the cost of doing business, improve corporate liquidity, and speed up state payments and VAT refunds, while calling for more productive investment and exports. Agriculture & Food Security: Agriculture Minister Roberto Albino challenged the private sector to scale up irrigation and agro-industry projects to reduce Mozambique’s reliance on food imports, warning small investments won’t replace roughly US$1bn in annual imports. Regional Integration & Industry: At South Africa’s 2026 Manufacturing Indaba, officials called for stronger investment, public-private collaboration, and deeper regional integration to accelerate industrialization and jobs. Cross-Border Crime: Police in South Africa recovered four stolen vehicles linked to syndicates using false plates and the N4 corridor into Mozambique, highlighting ongoing trafficking routes. British Council Retreat: The British Council announced office closures in nine countries including Mozambique and Tanzania, citing financial pressure, while promising programmes to continue via alternative delivery. Migration Fallout: Malawi nationals in Johannesburg seek repatriation as South Africa’s anti-immigrant crackdown continues, with experts warning of public health and mental health risks during long returns.

Power Relief for Malawi: Mozambique-Malawi grid links and battery storage are set to ease blackouts as Malawi targets new generation and imports, including 50MW via the MoMa interconnector and 20MW from a Kanengo battery system. Mozambique Reserves Bounce Back: Net international reserves rose to $3.5bn in May after Mozambique repaid an IMF debt early, hinting at a gradual recovery next year. Tax Clash at Rovuma: Galp has taken Mozambique to international arbitration over how tax is calculated on its Rovuma Basin stake sale—an important test for enforcing resource-tax rules. Fuel Sector Performance: Petromoc posted a 341.7m meticais net result in 2025 despite lower sales, while investing in terminal expansion. Regional Business Tech: FastClaims is launching in Zambia to speed motor insurance claims using AI, and Raxio plans a Tanzania data centre (TZ1) with 6MW capacity. Trade & Logistics: Transnet plans “army” security and drones to curb theft on its central rail corridor as it prepares for private-sector access. Tourism Friction: Pinto’s Beach Bar in Ponta do Ouro denies chasing out South African tourists after a viral confrontation video. Migration Pressure in the Region: South Africa’s crackdown has processed over 53,000 foreign nationals for deportation or repatriation, with Mozambicans among those affected.

Mozambique–IMF Reserves: Mozambique’s net international reserves rebounded to about US$3.5bn in May after the government repaid an IMF debt early, with the Bank of Mozambique citing a month-by-month recovery trend. TVM Audit Row: Mozambique’s state broadcaster TVM denies withholding documents from auditor Moore over 2025 accounts, while Moore says missing bank/customer/supplier records blocked verification of key receivables and payables figures. Petromoc Profit: Mozambique’s state fuel firm Petromoc posted a 341.7m meticais net result in 2025 despite lower sales, pointing to improved operating gains and continued investment in fuel terminals. Rail & Trade Link: Zimbabwe’s Beitbridge Bulawayo Railway commissioned a US$1.5m siding at West Nicholson, with its first lithium concentrate shipment this week destined for Mozambique’s Maputo port. Energy Grid Stability (Region): Malawi’s energy minister expects Mozambique’s MoMa interconnector to add 50MW to the grid, alongside 20MW from battery storage, aiming to ease electricity shortages. South Africa Migration Spillover: South Africa processed over 53,000 foreign nationals for deportation or repatriation, while Mozambique’s tourism sector faces reputational pressure after a Ponta do Ouro beach bar denied chasing out South African visitors in a viral clash. Policy & Compliance: Google expanded its alcohol advertising locations to include Mozambique and updated gambling/games certification rules for all categories. Business Security (Transnet): Transnet plans an “army” of guards and drone patrols to curb theft and vandalism on the central rail corridor as it prepares for private operator access.

South Africa Migration Crackdown: South Africa has processed 53,449 foreign nationals for deportation or repatriation since mid-June, with Malawians making up over 80% and Mozambique among the largest groups affected; the government says it’s enforcing immigration law while warning against vigilante identity checks. Mozambique–Russia Security Ties: Mozambique has formally requested Russian military support to fight ISIS-linked militants in Cabo Delgado, with Russia accepting—raising stakes for security and the region’s gas economy. Rail Security Push: Transnet plans an “army” of guards and drones to protect the central rail corridor from theft and vandalism as it moves toward opening the network to private operators. Digital Infrastructure Investment: Raxio Group has lifted its committed capital to $380m and is expanding data-centre capacity, including plans to enter Tanzania, with Mozambique already in its footprint. Climate Resilience Connectivity: Vodafone highlights how mobile connectivity supports early warnings, emergency response and recovery as climate shocks intensify. AfDB Drone Center for Mozambique: The AfDB proposes a Mozambique Drone Center to build skills and scale drone use for disaster risk management and innovation across sectors. Energy Investment Focus (AEW 2026): African Energy Week will spotlight how to close Africa’s energy investment gap and turn projects into bankable deals. UK Visa Rule Update: The UK updated its visitor visa list, adding 52 African countries requiring visas for short stays, affecting travel planning for regional business.

Mozambique–Russia Security Deal: Mozambique has formally asked Russia for military help against ISIS-linked militants in Cabo Delgado, and Moscow has accepted—raising fresh questions about how security support could shape the region’s gas future. South Africa Migration Crackdown: Pretoria says 53,449 foreign nationals have been processed for deportation or assisted repatriation since mid-June, mainly Malawians, with the state warning vigilante identity checks and home raids are illegal. South Africa Anti-Immigrant Fallout: The unrest is also triggering diplomatic pressure, with Nigeria compiling details of citizens’ lost businesses and properties to seek compensation at the highest levels. Mozambique Drone Push: The AfDB proposes a Mozambique Drone Center to build local capacity for disaster risk management, with pilots trained and drones deployed across development sectors. Mozambique–Belarus Economic Cooperation: Belarus and Mozambique discussed deeper economic ties, including using Mozambican ports for Belarusian exports and exploring visa-free rules for diplomatic and official passport holders. Malawi Inflation Watch: Malawi’s headline inflation eased to 23.4% in May 2026, but remains the highest among peer economies, with food and non-food pressures still elevated. British Council Cuts: The British Council plans to close offices in nine countries, including Mozambique, citing financial strain and a wider aid squeeze. Raxio Data Centres: Pan-African colocation operator Raxio raised its funding pool to $380m and is expanding into Tanzania, adding to its Mozambique footprint. Gauteng Illegal Mining Sweep: South African authorities arrested 121 suspects in a Gauteng illegal mining raid, seizing explosives, equipment, cash and vehicles.

South Africa Migration Crackdown: Justice Minister Mmamoloko Kubayi says 53,449 foreign nationals have been processed for deportation or assisted repatriation since mid-June, with Malawians making up over 80%, and the Musina temporary processing centre handling the bulk of returns. Rule of Law on Immigration: The Inter-Ministerial Committee warned communities against vigilante identity checks and home raids, stressing immigration enforcement is the State’s job and that law enforcement will act against unlawful intimidation. Economic Spillover Risk: Economists warn that anti-migrant unrest and the departure of foreign workers could worsen labour shortages in sectors like construction, farming, hospitality and informal trade—hurting the very economy protesters claim to protect. Mozambique Food Security Push: Mozambique’s Agriculture Minister Roberto Albino says Gaza province can replace South African vegetable imports (potatoes, tomatoes, cabbage and onions), pointing to recovery at Massingir Valley Farms after flood losses and improved seed distribution. Mozambique Business & Tech Recognition: Malawian-owned SPARC Systems won top honours at the Southern Africa Brand Quality Awards, including Leading ICT Solutions Provider of the Year, with operations spanning Mozambique and the region.

Mozambique Agriculture: Mozambique’s Minister of Agriculture Roberto Albino says Gaza province can rapidly replace South Africa imports of potatoes, tomatoes, cabbage and onions, pointing to recovery at Massingir Valley Farms after flood losses and promising results from seed support in Guijá. South Africa Migration Enforcement: South Africa’s Inter-Ministerial Committee says it is scaling down costly anti-illegal migration deployments after repatriations fell from nearly 4,850 (July 5) to 1,139 (July 11), while stressing the state still must deport those who break the Immigration Act; meanwhile, the IMC reports 53,449 foreign nationals processed for deportation and repatriation by July 11. Rule-of-law Warning: The IMC warns communities against vigilante door-to-door raids and identity checks, saying only the state can manage immigration enforcement and that unlawful searches will be met with action. Zimbabwe Tourism & Conservation: ZimParks exceeded revenue projections by 3.8% in 2024, driven by a 20.4% jump in arrivals to 1,009,295 and higher occupancy, alongside improved poaching containment. ICT & Jobs Tech: Malawian-owned SPARC Systems won two top SABQA awards, while Kenya’s Web Masters donated a KSh 2 billion jobs portal platform to Mozambique’s INEP to connect jobseekers and employers. Mozambique Energy Dispute: Portuguese firm Galp has filed international arbitration at ICSID against Mozambique over a tax dispute tied to its Area 4 Rovuma Basin stake sale. Regional Business Climate: Economists warn South Africa’s anti-migrant protests could backfire by creating labour shortages in sectors that rely on foreign workers, hitting farms, construction, delivery and informal trade.

Mozambique–Energy & Investment: Portuguese energy firm Galp has filed arbitration at ICSID against Mozambique over a tax dispute tied to its 2024 sale of a 10% stake in the Area 4 Rovuma Basin gas project, with Mozambique alleging underpayment of capital gains tax and Galp saying the payment was already included in the roughly $881m received. Regional Trade & Food Security: The WTO warns that fighting around the Strait of Hormuz has nearly halted fertiliser shipments, pushing nitrogen prices sharply higher and raising the risk of shortages and worsening food insecurity across Africa. South Africa–Migration & Business Risk: Xenophobic door-to-door raids in Johannesburg are forcing foreign nationals out and handing them to police, adding uncertainty for cross-border workers and informal trade links that many regional businesses rely on. Mozambique–Digital Jobs: Kenya’s Web Masters Kenya, behind the eCitizen platform, signed an MoU with Mozambique’s INEP to build a national jobs portal worth KSh 2bn, linking job seekers with vacancies, training and entrepreneurship opportunities. Environment & Livelihoods: A study spanning Kenya to Mozambique finds fish from seagrass meadows are more nutritionally dense than those from nearby coral reefs, supporting coastal food and income strategies. ICT & Entrepreneurship (Mozambique region): Sparc Systems (operating across Mozambique and other countries) won ICT Solutions Provider and entrepreneur awards at the Southern Africa Brand Quality Awards.

Mozambique–Energy & Arbitration: Portuguese energy group Galp has filed international arbitration at ICSID against Mozambique over a tax dispute tied to its 2024 sale of a 10% stake in the Area 4 Rovuma Basin gas project, with Mozambique alleging underpayment of capital gains tax after the deal. Mozambique–Jobs & Digital Economy: Kenya’s Web Masters Kenya, behind the eCitizen platform, signed an MoU with Mozambique’s INEP to build a national jobs portal worth KSh 2bn, linking vacancies, internships, training and entrepreneurship. Mozambique–Security Cooperation: Russia and Mozambique agreed to deepen trade, investment, education and security ties during Lavrov’s visit, including continued support for Mozambique’s fight against terrorism in Cabo Delgado. Regional Labour Shock (Mozambique–SA link): Xenophobic door-to-door raids in South Africa are forcing foreign nationals, including Mozambicans, to flee—driving demand in Maputo for travel documents to return for work. ICT & Business Recognition: Sparc Systems (Africa) won double honours at Sabqa, including ICT Solutions Provider of the Year, reinforcing regional enterprise and cybersecurity growth. Governance & Risk: Zimbabwe’s NRZ faces allegations of mismanagement and corruption from a rail workers’ union, raising concerns for freight and regional trade reliability. Food Security Watch: WTO warns Gulf conflict disruptions have nearly halted fertiliser shipments via Hormuz, pushing nitrogen prices sharply higher and increasing Africa’s food insecurity risk.

Mozambique-Russia Security & Trade: Russian FM Sergey Lavrov met President Daniel Chapo in Maputo, pledging deeper cooperation on trade, investment, education and continued support against Cabo Delgado terrorism, including training and military equipment. South Africa Xenophobia Hits Business: Anti-migrant protests escalated with door-to-door raids in Alexandra, Soweto and Durban, raising fears of labour shortages for sectors that rely on foreign workers and adding pressure on regional trade and tourism. Mozambique Digital Inclusion: FAMOD urged Mozambique to make digital transformation inclusive for people with disabilities, warning many platforms are built without accessibility needs in mind. El Niño Funding Gap: Mozambique’s meteorology institute says the country lacks funds to prepare for El Niño impacts, calling for resource mobilisation before October. Food Security Shock from Hormuz: The WTO warned Gulf conflict has nearly halted fertiliser shipments via the Strait of Hormuz, pushing nitrogen prices sharply higher and increasing Africa’s food insecurity risk. Industrialisation Push: Akinwumi Adesina told Mozambique it must turn natural resources into industrial jobs and value-added production, including gas-based downstream industries.

Mozambique-Russia Deal: Russian FM Sergey Lavrov met President Daniel Chapo in Maputo, agreeing to deepen trade, investment, education and security cooperation, with Russia ready to support Mozambique’s fight against terrorism in Cabo Delgado and to help with training and military equipment. El Niño Funding Crunch: Mozambique’s meteorology institute says the country faces a shortage of funds to prepare for El Niño impacts, urging resource mobilisation ahead of mitigation work through October. Digital Inclusion Push: Mozambique’s disability rights group FAMOD says the country’s digital transformation must be inclusive and democratic, calling for people with disabilities to help design and govern new platforms and services. Industrialisation Focus: Akinwumi Adesina told reporters Mozambique must turn natural resources into industrial jobs and value-added output (methanol, ethanol, urea) while boosting agriculture and the blue economy. South Africa Xenophobia Fallout: Anti-migrant protests escalated with door-to-door raids, and economists warn migrant departures could worsen labour shortages in construction, farming, hospitality, retail and informal work—hurting the economy protesters claim to protect. South Africa Manufacturing Pressure: Statistics SA reported manufacturing production fell 4.3% year-on-year in May, with logistics and electricity costs cited as key constraints. Regional Finance Inclusion: Angola’s government says its next phase of the National Financial Inclusion Strategy will enable mobile and digital payment providers to expand into credit. Energy Market Signals: Mozambique’s LNG future remains in focus as Russia’s security offer ties to LNG growth expectations, while CBAM’s full rollout is flagged as raising procurement costs for European foundries.