AGP Executive Report

Xenophobia Crackdown in South Africa: President Cyril Ramaphosa vowed to act against groups behind xenophobic violence and warned citizens not to stop people on the streets to demand identity papers, saying immigration enforcement is the state’s job. Mozambique Repatriation Fallout: Mozambique said five citizens were killed amid the unrest, as regional governments stepped up evacuation and repatriation efforts, including buses and flights moving displaced nationals back home. Mozambique Church Under Shock: In Quelimane, Catholic Bishop Osório Citora Afonso, 54, was shot dead at his residence; authorities called it a “murder by gunshot” and the Vatican and President Daniel Chapo condemned the killing. Local Security Update: Mozambique police are investigating the killing of another officer in Matola, where a gunman reportedly followed the victim before shooting him in his car. Regional Water Cooperation: Mozambique, South Africa and Eswatini met under INMACOM to coordinate shared management of the Incomati and Maputo river basins, linking water governance to food security and energy resilience. Business & Innovation Link: Mozambique is included in the Portuguese-speaking countries list behind the 929 Challenge, now tied to AIE Expo 2026 in Macao with a new acceleration push for startups.

Bishop Murder in Mozambique: Catholic Bishop Osório Citora Afonso, 54, was shot dead at his residence in Quelimane, with authorities calling it “murder by gunshot” and investigations ongoing; President Daniel Chapo said it is an “irreparable loss,” while the Vatican mourned the “grave act of violence.” Xenophobia Fallout in South Africa: Anti-immigrant protests in South Africa’s Western Cape have driven Mozambicans and other foreign nationals into hiding and shelters, with Mozambique reporting deaths in Mossel Bay and hundreds processed for return; meanwhile, data from IOM and UNHCR suggests no mass exodus is yet underway. Mozambique–China Development: On the 10th anniversary of their strategic partnership, China–Mozambique cooperation highlights progress on infrastructure and services, including the Maputo–Katembe bridge and water and sanitation projects. Neglected Crises Watch: The Norwegian Refugee Council ranks Sudan as the most ignored displacement crisis, with DRC returning to the top ten for the tenth year—an alert that funding shortfalls remain severe. Health & Water: A new global assessment flags unsafe drinking water as a major risk, with many of the lowest-ranked countries in Africa.

Church Under Shock: Pope Leo XIV mourned the killing of Quelimane Bishop Osório Citora Afonso, shot dead at his residence in Mozambique’s Zambézia province, as authorities open an investigation and local bishops call for serenity. Security & Violence in Cabo Delgado: The late bishop had repeatedly warned about worsening jihadist attacks in northern Cabo Delgado, where civilians continue to be killed and displaced. Mozambique-South Africa Migration Fallout: Mozambique said its citizens were among those affected by anti-foreigner violence in South Africa, while hundreds of Mozambicans were processed for return at Lebombo and more repatriations were reported amid ongoing unrest. Regional Finance: FDH Bank confirmed it has acquired a controlling stake in Ecobank Mozambique, aiming to grow trade finance and foreign-currency inflows across Southern Africa. Energy Deal Watch: Eskom signed a heads of agreement with Zululand Energy Terminal to advance a gas-to-power LNG project in Richards Bay, targeting future energy security.

Mozambique–South Africa migration fallout: Mozambique says 545 citizens fleeing anti-immigration violence have arrived via Ressano Garcia, with health checks, food and reintegration support organised at the border. Regional politics: South Africa’s presidency rejects calls for a “national shutdown” amid anti-migrant protests, warning against vigilantism while a National Action Plan is prepared. Mozambique in the spotlight abroad: Mozambique is also among the countries named in India’s Delhi hotel fire deaths, with the foreign ministry saying one Mozambican was killed and embassies are being contacted. Cabo Delgado business risk: Absa shareholders question the bank’s financing of TotalEnergies’s Mozambique LNG project in Cabo Delgado amid human-rights concerns. Energy and minerals policy: Mozambique’s mining rules are moving toward tighter state control, including a 15% state stake push, as battery-driven demand raises the value of unprocessed exports. ICT growth angle: Malawi’s ICT export push is highlighted as a model for regional digital services scaling, with Mozambique’s wider digital ambitions in view.

Migration Crackdown in South Africa: South Africa’s presidency says there will be no “national shutdown” despite anti-immigration threats, pointing to a cabinet-approved National Action Plan and warning protesters against taking the law into their own hands. Xenophobic Violence Fallout: Mozambique says its citizens have been killed in attacks in South Africa, while migrants in Western Cape towns like Kleinmond report door-to-door intimidation and shelter in town halls; business groups also urge calm and rule-of-law responses. Delhi Hotel Fire Probe: India’s MEA confirms 13 foreign nationals died in the Malviya Nagar blaze (including one Mozambican), and says embassies are being contacted for paperwork and medical help. Fire Safety Crackdown: Delhi authorities announce citywide action against illegal hotel and B&B operations after the death toll reached 21, with police citing alleged safety violations, unauthorised room expansion, and an absconding associate under investigation. Mozambique Mining Policy: Mozambique moves to tighten state control in mining with a 15% stake rule and pushes for local processing.

Mozambique Economy & IMF Talks: Mozambique is heading into IMF negotiations next week with a weaker outlook than the AfDB’s recent forecast, as the IMF’s growth projection is reported at just 0.5% for 2026, underlining limited fiscal space and worsening external pressures. Mining Policy: President Daniel Chapo signed a law requiring 15% state ownership in all mining ventures and local mineral processing, tightening control as graphite demand for batteries rises. Business Climate: Mozambique’s CTA warns that delays in payment of State invoices are destabilising SMEs, hurting cash flow, jobs and access to credit, and calls for a permanent budget line to clear arrears. Cross-Border Security: Mozambique arrested two suspects in the murder of an elderly South African couple in Kruger National Park, with South Africa expected to begin extradition. Regional Humanitarian Pressure: Mozambique is also in the spotlight over xenophobic violence in South Africa, with Maputo disputing casualty figures and pushing for clarity as repatriations accelerate.

Mozambique Mining Overhaul: President Daniel Chapo has signed a new mining law requiring the state, via ENM, to hold at least a 15% free-carried, non-dilutable stake in all mining ventures and to push local mineral processing—aimed at capturing more value from strategic battery materials like graphite. Regional Finance: FDH Bank says its Mozambique expansion—built around a controlling stake in Ecobank Mozambique—will deepen trade finance and cross-border banking across Southern Africa. South Africa Xenophobia Fallout: Mozambique reports five citizens killed in anti-foreigner violence in Mossel Bay, while South African police confirm two Mozambicans died; Mozambique also continues repatriation efforts as hundreds cross back. Border Returns: South Africa’s BMA processed 933 Mozambicans for departure via Lebombo, with 926 completing the journey. Global Neglect Watch: The Norwegian Refugee Council again flags DR Congo among the world’s most neglected displacement crises, with Sudan topping the list. Energy Note: South Africa’s electricity generation fell 9% year-on-year in April as demand softened, despite broader stability.

Border Pressure on Mozambique-South Africa: Mozambique says it processed the departure of 933 citizens from South Africa via Lebombo on 3 June, including people from Lindela and others routed through arrangements with the Mozambican High Commission, as xenophobic violence and a looming 30 June deadline keep driving evacuations. Xenophobia Fallout: South African police confirmed two Mozambicans died in weekend violence in Mossel Bay, while Mozambique’s government says more were killed, as hundreds of foreigners shelter in community halls after mobs went door-to-door. Crime Link to Mozambique: Two Mozambican nationals were arrested in Mozambique over the Kruger National Park murder of Dina and Ernst Marais, with the stolen vehicle recovered in Chókwè. Regional Diplomacy & Safety: In New Delhi, a hotel fire killed 21 people including Mozambicans among foreign victims; India’s authorities arrested the hotel owner and launched a wider crackdown on fire-safety violations, while the foreign ministry coordinated with embassies. Sport & Gender: ZOC hosted ANOCA Zone VI’s Gender Equality and Diversity Forum in Victoria Falls, with Mozambique among participating National Olympic Committees.

Mozambique–South Africa Xenophobia: Mozambique says it will repatriate nearly 1,000 citizens after attacks on foreign nationals, with Health Minister Ussene Isse citing nine deaths and hundreds already returning voluntarily. Kruger Park Murder Case: Two Mozambican suspects (aged 32 and 33) were arrested in Mozambique over the stabbing deaths of Dina and Ernst Marais, and South Africa is set to begin extradition. Delhi Hotel Fire (Mozambican links): A deadly fire in New Delhi’s Malviya Nagar killed 21 people, including Mozambican nationals among foreign victims; Delhi Police arrested hotel owner Lavkesh Bajaj and filed an FIR over alleged safety and licensing violations. Regional Security Watch: A Mozambique Conflict Monitor update highlights continued pressure from Islamic State Mozambique, including mortar fire near Macomia and hijackings off the coast. Energy & Trade Risk: S&P warns the Middle East conflict is straining Africa’s fuel and food systems, with Mozambique flagged among countries at higher risk from rising costs.

Xenophobia Crisis in SA: Mozambique says five citizens were killed in Mossel Bay during anti-immigrant violence, while South African police confirm two Mozambicans dead and investigate; hundreds of Mozambicans and Malawians fled to community halls as mobs allegedly went door-to-door, and repatriation is underway with hundreds expected to return by flight. Mozambique Response: Maputo says about 500 people are sheltered and repatriation processes are already moving, after earlier reports of burnt shacks and deaths tied to the unrest. South Africa Immigration Crackdown: President Cyril Ramaphosa vowed tougher enforcement against illegal migration—more workplace inspections and border security—while insisting there is “no place for xenophobia and vigilantism.” Cabo Delgado Security Debate: UK High Commissioner Helen Lewis warned that security solutions alone won’t end terrorism in Cabo Delgado, calling for governance, investment and private-sector engagement. Child Labour Watch: In Manica, over 170 minors are still involved in illegal mining despite a two-year campaign to curb child labour. Regional Minerals Push: UN ECA launched a €15m SADC project to build responsible, decarbonised critical minerals value chains, including Mozambique.

Xenophobic Violence in South Africa: Mozambique says five citizens were killed in Mossel Bay during anti-immigrant unrest, while South African police confirm two Mozambican men died from assault injuries and say investigations are ongoing; Mozambique also reports hundreds affected, with repatriation underway and fears of more violence as groups set a June 30 deadline for foreigners to leave. Repatriation Push: Around 548 Mozambicans are expected to be flown home from OR Tambo, after many were sheltered in the Free State and Western Cape following attacks and burned homes. Public Health & Food Security: Mozambique extended its nationwide livestock vaccination campaign to July 15 due to delays in imported vaccines, targeting cattle and poultry diseases to protect animal health and livelihoods. Governance & Accountability: Mozambique’s CDD is demanding a forensic audit into alleged mismanagement at state airline LAM over the purchase of Embraer-190 aircraft that have been grounded in South Africa. Energy & Investment: Mozambique says resumption of major gas projects is drawing South Korean investment, including through Kogas’ stakes linked to Rovuma Basin developments.

Xenophobia Crisis in South Africa: Mozambique says at least five of its nationals were killed in “xenophobic attacks” in Mossel Bay, with the government initially citing seven deaths total (five linked to attacks, two in a road accident) and reporting about 800 Mozambicans caught up in the violence; it says around 300 returned home and just over 500 are sheltered in Western Cape as repatriation begins. Regional Diplomacy & Integration: A petition has been filed with the African Union seeking removal of AfCFTA Secretary-General Wamkele Mene, citing recurring xenophobic violence in South Africa and arguing it undermines free movement goals. SADC Energy Cooperation: SADC Sustainable Energy Week in Victoria Falls drew regional leaders, with Mozambique-linked officials highlighting the push for faster energy action and milestones across the year. SADC Fisheries Oversight: SADC reappointed Stanley Ndara to chair the regional fisheries monitoring control and surveillance centre in Maputo, aimed at tackling illegal fishing across member states. Mozambique in the News Cycle: Mozambique’s tourism push also features in SADC justice talks, where ministers are set to debate a proposed SADC Tourism UNIVISA to ease travel across the bloc.

Mozambique–South Africa Tensions: A petition has been filed with the African Union seeking removal of AfCFTA Secretary-General Wamkele Mene, citing recurring xenophobic attacks in South Africa that have affected citizens including Mozambicans. Regional Fisheries: SADC has re-elected Stanley Ndara to lead the regional fisheries monitoring, control and surveillance body, with the centre based in Maputo and tasked with tackling illegal fishing. Mozambique Economy Watch: The Bank of Mozambique says payment defaults are rising, with non-performing loan pressure increasing at some banks, while the AfDB forecasts Mozambique growth at 2.1% in 2026 and 3.5% in 2027, tied to a recovery in extractives and easing inflation. Governance & Security: In KwaZulu-Natal’s border area, Jozini’s mayor says financial irregularities and cross-border crime are being tackled through cost controls and grant/salary account separation. Opposition Violence in Mozambique: DW reports killings of ANAMOLA members in Manica and Gaza, with the party alleging state complicity. International Spillover: France, with Britain’s support, intercepted a sanctioned Russian-linked tanker in the Atlantic, underscoring wider sanctions enforcement that can affect regional trade.

Xenophobia Shock in South Africa: After African Day boycotts and repatriations, South Africa is facing fresh scrutiny over xenophobic violence linked to groups like Operation Dudula, with reports of deaths and diplomatic complaints from neighbours including Mozambique. Mozambique Banking Stress: Mozambique’s central bank says payment defaults are rising: by 31 March, 14.47% of credit at BCI was in default, with overdue debts tied to household strain, weaker corporate income and higher living costs. AfDB Growth Outlook: The AfDB forecasts Mozambique GDP growth of 2.1% in 2026 and 3.5% in 2027, citing a recovery in extractives, easing inflation pressures and a widening fiscal deficit. Cabo Delgado Security Funding: Mozambique confirms it will secure funds to keep Rwandan troops operating against Islamist terrorism in Cabo Delgado, giving Mozambican forces time to train and reorganize. Mozambique-China Trade Boost: A state visit by President Daniel Chapo highlights Mozambique’s early benefit from China’s zero-tariff policy for LDCs, expanded from 1 May 2026. Nature Discovery: A new chameleon species has been identified in Mozambique’s sky-island forests, named in tribute to Jane Goodall. Power and Planning Warning: A worsening power crisis is again blamed on poor planning, with Kariba water limits contributing to rolling outages.

Mozambique–China Trade Boost: Mozambique’s president Daniel Chapo has just completed a landmark state visit to China, with the timing tied to Beijing’s zero-tariff push that began for least developed countries on 1 Dec 2024 and expanded to all African states with diplomatic ties from 1 May 2026—an effort expected to open wider export access for Maputo. Cabo Delgado Security Funding: The Mozambican government says it will secure funds to keep Rwandan troops operating against Islamist terrorism in Cabo Delgado, giving Mozambican forces time to train and prepare as external support arrangements are reviewed. Investment Interest from South Africa: South African business leaders met President Chapo ahead of a Mozambique Investment Summit later this year, signaling interest in backing Mozambique’s mining, energy, tourism, finance and infrastructure priorities. Regional Finance Push: The AfDB and the World Economic Forum launched a Humanitarian and Resilience Investing roadmap for frontier economies, with pilots including Mozambique, aiming to shift from aid dependence toward private investment. Power and Energy Context: Mozambique’s wider region remains strained by energy shocks and financing gaps, as seen in reporting on power-crisis spillovers and the need for more resilient fuel and electricity planning across southern Africa.

Power Crisis Watch: Mozambique’s region is feeling the heat as Zimbabwe’s Kariba water shortfall slashed generation to about 200MW at the dam, worsening rolling outages and exposing planning gaps in grid supply. Mozambique Rail Reform: Mozambique is considering opening the national rail network to private operators, aiming to boost freight and passenger services while easing CFM’s monopoly. Tourism Push with AI: Mozambique launched Anditur, a new tourism agency tasked with using AI for personalised promotion, booking tools and destination management, alongside investment facilitation. LNG & Energy Accountability: Mozambique challenged TotalEnergies over a reported $2bn LNG cost overrun, commissioning a third-party audit that couldn’t confirm the delay-related costs. Regional Security: Ethiopia’s top general met Mozambique’s military chief to deepen cooperation on counter-terrorism and cyber security, linking peace to development. Culture & Diplomacy: Mozambique hosted a China-Africa cultural exchange tour in Maputo, with artists and officials highlighting long-running ties. Humanitarian Reality: UN reporting flags a sharp rise in conflict-related sexual violence in 2025, including cases linked to northern Mozambique.