AGP Executive Report

Fuel Crisis Hits Fishing: Mozambique fishermen in Maputo’s Pescadores quarter are staying ashore as surging fuel costs and erratic supply keep boats idle after government raised petrol and diesel prices. Energy Investment Push: Mozambique’s Mineral Resources minister urged private investors to expand the electricity grid, pointing to abundant hydro, solar and wind resources and gas as a transitional fuel. IMF Talks Mozambique Programme: The IMF met Maputo to review plans to restore fiscal and debt sustainability after reclassifying Mozambique’s debt as unsustainable. Regional Fisheries Security: SADC handed Mozambique the keys to the new regional fisheries monitoring centre in Katembe, aiming to strengthen surveillance and information sharing. Cross-Border Crime Probe: Police say a third suspect in the Kruger National Park murders was arrested in Zimbabwe, with earlier suspects captured in Mozambique and extradition steps underway. South Africa Migration Fallout: South Africa’s Home Affairs says it facilitated voluntary departures of thousands of foreign nationals, including hundreds of Mozambicans, amid ongoing xenophobia and deportation pressures. Business Update: KAP expects headline earnings to rise by more than 50% despite tough markets and Middle East-driven uncertainty.

SADC Blue Economy Boost: Mozambique officially received the keys to the new SADC Monitoring, Control and Surveillance Coordination Centre (MCSCC) headquarters in Katembe, with the centre set to strengthen regional fisheries coordination, information sharing and surveillance. UAE–Mozambique Ties: In a phone call, Presidents Daniel Chapo and UAE leader Mohamed bin Zayed discussed deeper cooperation on the economy, investment, renewable energy and sustainable development. Mozambique Debt Talks: The IMF wrapped up a mission in Maputo and discussed Mozambique’s request for a fund-backed programme, noting subdued growth after the 2025 contraction and the need to restore fiscal and debt sustainability. Cabo Delgado LNG Resumption: Reporting highlights the resumption of the $20bn Cabo Delgado gas project, reigniting both hope and resentment around the region’s long-running conflict and development promises. Regional Crime Crackdown: Police say a third suspect in the Kruger National Park double murder was arrested in Zimbabwe and is expected to be deported to Mozambique for trial. Xenophobia Fallout in SA: Nigeria repatriated 268 Nigerians from South Africa, while Malawi reported large-scale deportations amid ongoing anti-immigrant violence and displacement.

Kruger Case Breakthrough: Mozambique’s SERNIC and regional partners have arrested a third suspect in the May 22 murder of Dina (73) and Ernst Marais (71) in Kruger National Park. The 26-year-old Mozambican, Macandze Lionel da Marta, was caught in Zimbabwe after fleeing the initial dragnet; he is expected to be deported to Mozambique to face murder charges alongside the two earlier suspects. Cross-Border Justice: Police say the case now spans three countries, with investigators also recovering the victims’ vehicle in Mozambique. Mozambique Wildlife: Zinave National Park has received nine female white rhinos from South Africa, boosting its breeding push after decades of local extinction; the park says the move raises the white rhino population to 39 and supports broader biodiversity recovery. Inflation Watch: Mozambique’s May inflation rose to 7.22% year-on-year, driven heavily by transport and fuel shocks hitting provinces beyond Maputo. Cyber Threats: Check Point warns Mozambique is among the most targeted African countries as ransomware and AI-enabled attacks evolve.

Mozambique Conservation: Mozambique’s Zinave National Park welcomed nine female white rhinos from South Africa, boosting its breeding push after decades of local extinction; the park now counts 39 white rhinos and 22 black rhinos, with restoration efforts since 2022. Cabo Delgado Gas: Resumption of the $20bn Cabo Delgado LNG project is reigniting both hope and resentment as communities and stakeholders weigh the benefits against the costs of insecurity and isolation. Regional Fisheries Security: President Daniel Chapo inaugurated a SADC Regional Fisheries Monitoring, Control and Enforcement Centre in Maputo to curb illegal fishing blamed for about $400m in annual losses. Mozambique Governance & Investment: Mozambique expects $7bn in tourism investment over seven years and says approved investments reached about €15.5bn over five years, with reforms aimed at attracting more European capital. Mozambique Justice: Investigators arrested a priest plus a guard and gardener over the killing of Mozambican bishop Osório Citora Afonso, with local Catholics expressing skepticism about insider involvement. South Africa Migration Fallout (Mozambique-linked): In Durban, thousands of Malawians remain stranded at Sherwood Hall as deportations and repatriations accelerate amid unrest tied to anti-immigrant protests.

Mozambique Mining Law Overhaul: President Daniel Chapo signed reforms granting the National Mining Company (ENM) a free 15% stake across the mining value chain, with a push for local processing and a ban on exporting raw or semi-processed minerals without approval. Mozambique Tourism Push: The Economy Minister says Mozambique aims to attract $7bn in tourism investment over seven years and expects $50bn+ in total foreign investment across sectors in the next decade, highlighting reforms and EU partnership. Mozal Revival Talks: Mozambique’s Industrial Development Corporation (IDC) is weighing options to buy South32’s controlling stake in the Mozal aluminium smelter, using transaction advisers to assess possible paths to restart the facility. Digital Government Upgrade: Movitel Mozambique presented an e-Office suite to INTIC to reduce paper use, speed up document handling, and support remote administration. Regional Shock—Xenophobia Spillover: South Africa’s anti-migrant violence continues to drive repatriations, including the arrival of the first group of Nigerians in Lagos, while Mozambique is among countries already sending citizens home. Fuel Crisis Impact (Mozambique): Mototáxis report queues and lost earnings as Mozambique’s fuel shortage bites hardest at frequent, small refuels, with parallel-market prices making work unsustainable.

Mozambique–Catholic Church: African bishops have called for an urgent, transparent investigation into the murder of Bishop Osório Citora Afonso in Quelimane, urging stronger protection for religious leaders and places of worship. South Africa xenophobia spillover: Nigeria’s first group of about 262–268 Nigerians repatriated from South Africa arrived in Lagos after weeks of anti-foreigner violence ahead of a June 30 deadline; South Africa also declared 586 Nigerians “undesirable” for five years. Regional unity message: Mozambique-linked coverage also highlights calls for African solidarity and social cohesion as governments respond to migration pressures. Cabo Delgado insurg finance angle: A report revisits how Cabo Delgado’s resource wealth, including ruby mining, became tied to Islamist insurg recruitment and conflict dynamics. Mozambique business/tech: Mozambique begins licensing digital operators, signaling a push to expand telecom competition and services. Food inflation risk: S&P Global warns food prices could rise sharply across emerging markets as fertiliser and transport costs climb.

World Bank Support for Mozambique: Mozambique signed five World Bank financing agreements worth about $450m to boost social protection, economic resilience, jobs skills, rural emergency response and water safety, with reforms aimed at managing recent climate and economic shocks. Public Records Digitisation: The state says digitizing public archives in Nampula needs qualified staff and proper organisation of physical documents, warning that poor paper records will block digital progress. AI Governance: Mozambique’s Labour Minister urged responsible, inclusive AI use at the ILO, linking technology to decent work and social justice while pushing a regulatory sandbox and data governance policy. Transport and Industry Push: Government approved an international tender for a private partner to build Mozambique’s first vehicle assembly plant under a public-private partnership, to cut transport costs and expand local manufacturing. Church and Security: Catholic leaders renewed calls for justice after the killing of Bishop Osório Citora Afonso in Quelimane, urging stronger protection for religious leaders. Regional Tensions: South Africa’s xenophobic violence continues to drive mass displacement, including thousands of Malawians and the first batch of 262 Nigerians being evacuated.

Mozambique-World Bank Deal: Mozambique has signed five World Bank financing agreements worth $450m to boost social protection, economic resilience, jobs skills, rural emergency response and water safety, with Finance Minister Carla Louveira linking the package to shocks from climate impacts and the Middle East conflict. EU Partnership: Maputo also signed EU-backed financing budgeted at €178m for energy access, green digital education, digital transformation, and environmental and social sustainability. Transport & Industry Push: The government approved an international tender for a private partner to build Mozambique’s first vehicle assembly plant under a public-private partnership, aiming to cut transport costs and expand domestic manufacturing. Energy Outlook: Standard Bank forecasts ExxonMobil’s Mozambique gas project could lift the economy by over 4% a year after production starts, though progress depends on stability in Cabo Delgado. Mining Law Tightens: President Daniel Chapo signed a new mining rule requiring 15% state ownership in all mining ventures and local processing, tightening control over strategic minerals like graphite. Regional Trade Links: Zimbabwe is modernising border posts to decongest crossings and streamline trade with Malawi and Mozambique. Security & Justice: Catholic leaders across Africa mourned the slain Bishop Osório Citora Afonso of Quelimane, calling for swift justice. Corruption Sting: A police sergeant at the Lebombo border was arrested over alleged vehicle theft and fraud syndicates, with R80,000 found during the operation. South Africa Xenophobia Spillover: Thousands of Malawians and other foreign nationals fled violence and threats in South Africa, with Mozambique-linked deaths reported in Mossel Bay.

Mozambique Bishop Murder: Catholic Church leaders mourn Bishop Osório Citora Afonso after he was shot dead at his Quelimane residence; the Vatican and SECAM-backed bishops’ calls demand a swift, transparent investigation and stronger protection for religious leaders. Regional Migration Fallout: Xenophobic violence in South Africa continues to drive evacuations and diplomatic pressure; Mozambique says nine citizens died and hundreds have been repatriated, while Nigeria prepares its first 500-person evacuation flight and South Africa faces mounting calls to curb anti-foreigner marches and vigilante action. Mozambique Energy & Jobs: Mozambique Rovuma Venture awarded Technip Energies an EPCIC contract for the Coral Norte FLNG project offshore, targeting about 3.6 million tonnes/year and doubling the Coral hub capacity to 7 million tonnes/year. Conservation Under Pressure: A Niassa Special Reserve dispute highlights growing political tension around protected areas, with conservation increasingly framed as an obstacle to development, mining and local control. Cross-Border Crime: Mozambique’s Hawks arrested a police sergeant at Lebombo port for alleged corruption tied to vehicle smuggling from South Africa.

Mozambique Church Under Shock: Bishop Osório Citora Afonso of Quelimane was found shot dead at his residence on June 6, with authorities saying the perpetrator is still unknown; Mozambique’s president and Catholic leaders called for a thorough, independent investigation. Regional Migration Fallout (South Africa): Anti-migrant violence and protests continue to spread, with Mozambique and other countries stepping up repatriations; 168 Mozambicans were sent home via Lebombo after unrest in Mossel Bay, while Malawi and others also reported returns. Mozambique LNG Push: Technip Energies won major Coral Norte FLNG contract work for Mozambique’s offshore gas expansion, targeting about 3.6 million tonnes per year and doubling the Coral hub’s output to 7 million tonnes. Southern Africa Trade Corridors: Zimbabwe, Malawi and Mozambique launched efforts in Harare to cut border bottlenecks and regulatory delays that raise transport costs and slow regional trade. Diplomacy Update: Turkey appointed Ferhat Alkan as its new ambassador to Somalia; he previously served as Turkey’s ambassador to Mozambique.

Mozambique–South Africa Migration Fallout: South Africa’s Ramaphosa promised action on illegal migration, but civil society groups say his address didn’t stop xenophobic vigilantism. Anti-migrant marches continued, with reports of Mozambican deaths and more repatriations underway, including another 168 Mozambicans processed at Lebombo after buses from Mossel Bay. Coral Norte LNG Deal: Mozambique’s Rovuma LNG push keeps moving: Technip Energies won a major EPCIC contract for the Coral Norte FLNG project (in partnership with JGC and Samsung), reinforcing the wider regional gas outlook. Border Corruption Sting: At Lebombo Port of Entry, Hawks arrested a police sergeant in an R80,000 corruption operation tied to vehicle theft and fraud syndicates. Wildlife Conservation Win: Zinave National Park received nine female white rhinos, bringing its white rhino count to 39 and supporting Mozambique’s conservation and tourism recovery. Press Freedom and Violence: A Mozambique-focused investigation alleges a crackdown on government critics, including killings, abductions and surveillance, with claims of a media blackout on conflict coverage. Bishop Murder Condemned: Mozambique’s clergy and Catholic leaders condemned the killing of Bishop Osório Citora Afonso of Quelimane and called for a thorough, independent investigation.

Bishop Murder in Quelimane: Mozambique’s Catholic Church is reeling after Bishop Osório Citora Afonso, 54, was found shot dead at his residence in Quelimane, with authorities still hunting for the perpetrators and motive. Church Demands Justice: The Bishops’ Conference of Mozambique and SECAM condemned the killing as “barbaric,” calling for a full, transparent investigation and stronger protection for pastoral workers. Anti-Migrant Violence Spillover: In South Africa, anti-immigrant protests continued despite President Cyril Ramaphosa’s warning against vigilantes, with Mozambique confirming two Mozambican deaths and disputing higher death toll claims. Mozambicans Repatriated: Border authorities reported 141 Mozambicans processed at Lebombo Port, while earlier reports said 150 Malawians and other Africans were being moved out amid unrest. Rovuma LNG Boost: Standard Bank says Mozambique’s Rovuma LNG could add about $11bn annually to GDP, with final investment decision expected later this year. Dengue Vaccine Push: A €11.09m DENSTAR project launched to speed dengue vaccine trials and approvals across sub-Saharan Africa, with Mozambique’s KNUST involved. Mozambique Climate-Smart Fisheries: A feature highlights Mozambique’s push for sustainable fisheries and stronger value chains to build a more resilient blue economy.

Xenophobia Fallout: Mozambique says 169 citizens will be repatriated in the coming days after attacks in South Africa, with at least nine Mozambicans reported killed and hundreds displaced, as authorities promise protection in Western Cape. Energy & Business: Mozambique’s mineral resources minister urges local firms to plug into the gas value chain, citing training for thousands and major opportunities for SMEs in gas projects. Terrorism Displacement: UNHCR reports about 1,200 people fled Mocímboa da Praia in Cabo Delgado after attacks in April and May, including 500 children, as violence continues to disrupt livelihoods. Cabo Delgado Security: UNHCR’s figures add to the wider picture of displacement since the 2017 insurgency, with millions affected nationwide. International Partnerships: Sweden’s development agency signals plans to deepen cooperation with Mozambique in energy, mining, human rights and gender equality. Health: Africa CDC welcomes approval of a malaria treatment for newborns and infants, including Mozambique in the rollout countries. Regional Climate Impact: Malaria is rising in southern Africa as weather patterns shift, threatening elimination goals. South Africa Migration Crackdown: Ramaphosa announces tougher measures against illegal migration and warns against vigilante “street checks,” while employers face heavy penalties for hiring undocumented workers.

Mozambique Bishop Murder: Mozambican Catholic Bishop Osório Citora Afonso, 54, was shot dead at his residence in Quelimane, Zambézia, in a killing authorities described as a “murder by gunshot,” prompting condolences from President Daniel Chapo and Pope Leo XIV. South Africa Migration Crackdown: South African President Cyril Ramaphosa vowed to crack down on groups behind xenophobic violence and stressed that only authorised state officials can enforce immigration rules, as Mozambique and other countries report repatriations amid rising tensions. Mozambicans Repatriated from SA: Mozambique said five citizens were killed in the unrest, while hundreds of Mozambicans were processed and transported home through cross-border operations as protests in places like Mossel Bay displaced foreign nationals. Regional Water Cooperation: Southern Africa leaders pushed shared-water management at the INMACOM ministers meeting, calling cooperation over the Incomati and Maputo basins essential for food security, energy and climate resilience. Manica Agribusiness Boost: President Daniel Chapo inaugurated a slaughterhouse and sausage factory in Macate (Planalto Fresh Produce Agro-industrial Complex), aiming to cut pork imports and support local production. Sports: Mozambique lost 4-1 to Oman in a friendly match.

Catholic Church in Mozambique: Bishop Osório Citora Afonso, 54, was shot dead at his residence in Quelimane in what authorities call a home invasion; Pope Leo XIV and President Daniel Chapo expressed “deep sorrow,” while investigators say details and suspects are still unknown. Xenophobia and migration in South Africa: South Africa’s government says there will be no “shutdown” on June 30 as anti-immigrant protests rise; meanwhile, Mozambicans and other foreign nationals continue to flee or return voluntarily, with shelters in the Western Cape and reports of repatriations. Mozambique-South Africa link: Mozambique says five citizens were killed in xenophobic attacks in Mossel Bay, as displaced families seek safety and cross-border processing continues. Health and rights: UNFPA highlights obstetric fistula as a “silent crisis” affecting thousands of women due to lack of timely care. Development and cooperation: China-Mozambique ties mark their 10th anniversary with progress on infrastructure and services, including water and sanitation projects. Water security: A global assessment flags unsafe drinking water as a major risk, with many of the worst-ranked countries in Africa.

Religious Violence in Mozambique: Pope Leo XIV mourned the killing of Quelimane Bishop Osório Citora Afonso, 54, saying it was a “grave act of violence.” Mozambique authorities say the bishop was shot at his residence in what they described as a home invasion; details remain unclear and no arrests have been reported. The Holy See and Mozambique’s bishops’ conference urged prayer, serenity and fraternal solidarity as investigations continue. Cabo Delgado Warning: The late bishop had recently warned about worsening Islamist attacks in northern Cabo Delgado, urging urgent action to stop the violence. South Africa Migration Crisis: South Africa rejected calls for a June 30 “shutdown” over anti-immigration protests, with officials saying the country will not be shut down and promising a migration plan. In the meantime, Mozambicans and other migrants continue to flee or return home amid violence, including bus departures from the Western Cape. Mozambique Returns Home: Border authorities reported large-scale processing of Mozambican nationals leaving South Africa via Lebombo, including people without valid documents. Humanitarian Pressure: UNICEF warned that disruptions to global transport are raising aid costs and delaying deliveries, putting children at greater risk.