AGP Executive Report

Mozambique 5G Push: President Daniel Chapo says Mozambique will connect all provincial capitals, special economic zones and dense areas to 5G by 2027, with rural coverage supported by new base stations and settlement links, alongside plans for a digital transformation agency and AI coordination. Cabo Delgado Security: In northern Cabo Delgado, Islamic State Mozambique fighters are increasingly relying on IEDs, with recent incidents recorded on routes near the Catupa forest, raising risks for government and allied forces. Investment Interest: American International Finance Partners says it wants to invest in Mozambique after meeting Chapo, pointing to opportunities in tourism, energy, health, real estate and technology. Regional Spotlight—Xenophobia Fallout in SA: South African police are investigating the killing of a Malawian national in Pietermaritzburg as anti-migrant violence and repatriation rushes continue ahead of a June 30 deadline. Tech & Media—Football Podcasts Boom: Spotify data shows football podcast listening surging across sub-Saharan Africa, with Mozambique among the fastest-growing markets.

Critical Minerals Push: Altona Rare Earths rebranded as NeoTerra Group Plc, shifting beyond rare earths to a broader critical minerals plan with Mozambique’s Monte Muambe at the centre, including fluorspar and gallium. Digital Mozambique: President Daniel Chapo says Mozambique will connect all provincial capitals, SEZs and dense areas to 5G by 2027, with broadband expansion to all districts by 2030, aiming to attract investment and improve public services. Regional Security Call: Zimbabwe’s defence leadership urged Mozambique and Zimbabwe to deepen intelligence-sharing to fight drug trafficking and other cross-border crime. Energy Relief in the Region: ESCOM says Malawi’s power cuts have eased after a recovery push to clear faults and stabilise the grid. Jobs and Restructuring: Vision Group and the IDC move to settle Tongaat Hulett’s remaining R75m to unsecured creditors, converting about R12bn debt into equity to protect jobs across South Africa, Mozambique and Zimbabwe. Migration Tensions Spill Over: South Africa braces for June 30 anti-foreigner protests, with police set to deploy a R600m response budget amid fears of disruption. Health Misinformation: Cuba’s Cienfuegos health authorities removed a false Facebook claim that Cristiano Ronaldo donated solar panels.

5G Rollout: Mozambique plans to connect all provincial capitals, special economic zones and densely populated areas to 5G by 2027, with broader broadband access targeted for all districts and administrative centres by 2030, as President Daniel Chapo opened the 5th National Communications Conference in Maputo. Trade & Industry: South Africa’s trade authority ITAC moved to impose provisional anti-dumping duties on Mozambican steel pipe imports, recommending 28.86% duties for six months after findings of dumped pricing harming SACU manufacturers. Finance & Governance: Bank of Mozambique governor Rogério Zandamela urged clear AI rules for the financial sector, warning that AI is already reshaping banking and decision-making and must be regulated to protect consumers and manage risks. Energy & Regional Links: Mozambique and the Islamic Development Bank agreed to draft a three-year Partnership Plan to define priority financing projects, including power transmission and school construction. Mining Communities: Kenmare Resources and MASC launched a $500,000 programme in Nampula’s Moma and Larde to strengthen social cohesion and community participation around mining activity. Diplomacy: Mozambique’s Assembly Speaker Margarida Talapa arrived in Azerbaijan for a parliamentary conference of OIC member states.

Mozambique–Zimbabwe Diplomacy: Zimbabwe’s Ambassador to Mozambique and Eswatini, Victor Matemadanda, has died at 66, with officials citing his service to strengthen ties with Maputo and Mbabane; reports also swirl around suspected food poisoning after a war veterans’ assembly, though authorities have not confirmed a cause. Regional Migration Tensions: South Africa is stepping up police ahead of a June 30 anti-foreigner deadline, as violence fears continue; in Cape Agulhas, more than 1,200 foreign nationals (including Mozambicans) were evacuated and then voluntarily repatriated. Food Prices Watch: Maize and soya prices in southern Africa stayed firm as supply tightness persists, with Zimbabwe’s market update pointing to demand outstripping available stocks. Health & Development: A report highlights India’s vaccine manufacturing push for Africa after Ebola-related disruptions, pointing to Serum Institute of India’s fast-tracked capacity for urgent outbreaks. Energy & Trade Context: Mozambique-linked regional energy and trade themes continue to surface, including LNG supply planning and wider economic pressures across the region.

Mozambique’s central bank and AI: Bank of Mozambique Governor Rogério Zandamela urged clear rules for artificial intelligence in the financial sector, saying AI is already shaping decisions and services and must be used safely, transparently, and with consumer protection. Mining investment risk: Mozambique’s amended mining law requiring a 15% state stake in all mining ventures is already worrying investors, with the Chamber of Mines warning it could make the country less attractive and pushing for reliable utilities and logistics to make local processing viable. Regional trade and logistics: UNIFREIGHT said Mozambique operations helped lift group revenue in 2025 as regional expansion beyond its domestic base continued. Zimbabwe-Mozambique ties: Zimbabwe confirmed the death of Ambassador Victor Matemadanda, its envoy to Mozambique and Eswatini, with no cause disclosed—while reports of suspected poisoning remain unverified. Health and skills support: Merck Foundation announced 2,600+ scholarships for healthcare providers across Africa and Asia, aimed at building specialist capacity in underserved fields.

Xenophobia & Deportations: Thousands of Malawians and other foreigners are sheltering in Durban’s Sherwood Hall as South Africa’s June 30 anti-foreigner ultimatum nears, with reports of door-to-door threats and mass buses to deportation sites; at Beitbridge, hundreds of undocumented Malawians were processed after buses arrived. Diplomacy: Zimbabwe’s Ambassador to Mozambique and Eswatini, Victor Matemadanda, has died, with officials citing his long public service and liberation-war background. Mozambique Conservation: Zinave National Park in Inhambane received nine female white rhinos from South Africa, bringing its white rhino total to 39 as ANAC expands wildlife restoration. Energy & Trade: Mozambique’s Unifreight says regional growth is strengthening, while regional LNG momentum continues as South Africa moves toward its first Richards Bay terminal. Climate Risk: A WMO report warns extreme weather killed over 3,000 people across Africa in 2025 and affected 13 million, with flooding a major driver. Business: Absa plans to raise its stake in Kenya’s Absa Bank Kenya to 85%, signaling deeper South African banking expansion in East Africa.

Mozambique–EU ties: Mozambique and the EU moved to deepen economic cooperation, signalling fresh momentum for trade and investment. LNG and energy security: ExxonMobil signed a deal to supply LNG to South Africa’s new Richards Bay import terminal, with Mozambique’s declining gas supply in the background. Wildlife restoration in Mozambique: Nine female white rhinos were translocated to Zinave National Park, bringing the park’s white rhino total to 39 and supporting conservation and the wildlife economy. Cabo Delgado rights concerns: A new report highlights surging sexual violence linked to the conflict, with victims describing abductions and long-term trauma. Regional migration pressure: South Africa’s anti-foreigner crackdown continues to ripple across borders, with hundreds of undocumented Malawians facing deportation after buses arrived at Beitbridge. South Africa xenophobia online-fuelled: Analysts warn social media is stoking a volatile June 30 “deadline” atmosphere, with threats and harassment spreading faster than official action. Justice and governance: Mozambique’s journalists face intimidation and killings as repression deepens, raising alarms for press freedom.

Humanitarian Response: The UAE says it has expanded urgent aid across disaster-hit and health-crisis countries, including flood relief in Syria, earthquake support in the Philippines, and Ebola-related assistance in the DRC and Uganda. Mozambique Security & LNG: Mozambique’s Cabo Delgado LNG restart chatter is being matched by fresh procurement activity, but reports also point to continued insurgent movement in Quissanga, keeping the province volatile. Cabo Delgado Violence: A new RFI report highlights ongoing gender-based violence in Cabo Delgado, citing UNFPA interviews describing rising abductions and sexual violence since the 2017 conflict began. Regional Xenophobia Fallout: South Africa’s anti-foreigner unrest is intensifying ahead of a June 30 “deadline,” with thousands of Malawians reportedly trapped in harsh conditions in Durban while governments scramble to repatriate citizens. South Africa Accountability: South Africa’s public works minister urged police to act against those agitating for violence, warning the attacks are damaging the country’s international standing. Maritime/Trade Watch: Oceana warns that hidden vessel ownership is fueling illegal fishing across Africa, with many ships operating under opaque control. Aviation Mystery: US officials say debris found in Mozambique may match the type of aircraft linked to MH370, though verification is still pending.

LNG & Energy Security: ExxonMobil signed a milestone LNG supply deal for South Africa’s planned Richards Bay import terminal, with Zululand Energy Terminal warning of a looming “gas cliff” as Mozambique’s Pande-Temane supply declines. Cabo Delgado Watch: Mozambique’s LNG restart chatter is matched by procurement activity, but reports also point to insurgent movement in Quissanga, keeping security risks in the same spotlight as the projects. Mining Policy: Mozambique’s new mining law requiring a 15% state stake and tighter rules on exporting unprocessed minerals is already raising alarms that it could deter foreign investors. Crisis & Rights in Cabo Delgado: A UNFPA-linked account highlights how sexual violence in Cabo Delgado has surged since the war began, with victims describing abductions and abuse. Regional Shockwaves: Across South Africa, xenophobia-linked online threats and an end-of-June “deadline” are driving migrants—including Mozambicans—toward borders, while unions warn jobs could be at risk if workers join protests.

Mozambique Press Freedom Under Pressure: Investigative journalist Estacio Valoi says SERNIC agents served him a court order in Pemba and seized phones and computers, with CPJ calling it intimidation tied to his reporting on timber smuggling and Cabo Delgado environmental crimes. Mining Policy Shock: Mozambique’s new mining law requiring a 15% state stake and tighter rules on exporting unprocessed minerals is already worrying investors, with the Chamber of Mines warning it could deter foreign capital unless basics like power, water and logistics improve. Regional Climate Risk: FAO and WFP launched a first-ever joint anticipatory appeal for US$202m to protect 8.8m people in 22 high-risk countries, including Mozambique, ahead of El Niño-linked droughts and floods. South Africa Xenophobia Spillover: ANC leaders visited Mozambique to distance the party from anti-migrant violence in South Africa, as multiple countries—including Mozambique’s nationals—continue repatriations amid vigilante attacks. Energy Finance Boost: AXIAN Energy secured a US$60m financing package to expand renewable projects across Africa, adding flexibility for new clean-energy infrastructure deals.

Press Freedom Under Fire: A Mozambican journalist was killed while covering protests, and local media groups say repression and intimidation are deepening across the country. Child Rights in Conflict: A UN report says violations against nearly 25,000 children rose to a record 38,558 cases last year, with government forces named as the main perpetrators for the first time. Cabo Delgado Accountability: An unpublished UN-linked report alleges sexual exploitation tied to the TotalEnergies-led LNG project and sexual violence by Mozambique’s military, renewing scrutiny of security and corporate conduct. Road Safety Reform: Mozambique’s Council of Ministers approved a draft law to revise the road code, including a points-based driving licence and surveillance cameras for traffic enforcement. Economy Watch: Mozambique’s GDP grew 0.1% in the first quarter of 2026, driven mainly by services, while extractives contracted. El Niño Funding: FAO and WFP launched a $202m appeal to protect 8.8 million people, including Mozambique, from drought, floods and storms linked to El Niño. Regional Diplomacy: The ANC told Mozambique it rejects xenophobia and says South Africa’s immigration problems must be handled through lawful processes.

Mozambique Road Safety Reform: Mozambique is set to overhaul its traffic law with a points-based driver’s license system and road surveillance cameras to strengthen enforcement and cut crashes, including new vehicle classifications for electric, hybrid and gas-powered cars. Mozambique Governance & Security: Mozambique police have been accused of using spy networks to pursue government critics, raising fresh concerns about political intimidation. Mozambique Diplomacy: President Daniel Francisco Chapo is in Angola for a working visit aimed at boosting bilateral cooperation and reviewing shared regional and international issues. Mozambique LNG & Regional Energy: Mozambique’s Nacala Logistics Corridor project finance is moving toward a major prepayment of about $2.5bn, a development tied to the corridor’s broader trade and energy role. Mozambique Church News: In Zambezia, 22 residents were baptized into Orthodox Christianity, with first Eucharist celebrations following immediately after. Regional Context (South Africa): South Africa’s Richards Bay LNG push gained momentum as Zululand Energy Terminal signed LNG supply heads of agreement with ExxonMobil, while Tongaat Hulett avoided liquidation in a rescue deal that could protect 250,000 jobs.

Road Safety Overhaul: Mozambique is set to revise its road code with a points-based driver’s licence and road surveillance cameras to tighten enforcement and cut crashes, including updated vehicle categories for electric, hybrid and gas cars. Mozambique Security & Dissent: A new report highlights alleged surveillance and targeting of Mozambique’s government critics, including the unresolved abduction of journalist Arlindo Chissale, pointing to a wider pattern of enforced disappearances. Regional Diplomacy: President Daniel Chapo is in Angola for talks to deepen cooperation and review shared regional and international issues. South Africa Migration Fallout: As South Africa nears the June 30 deadline for undocumented migrants to leave, Malawians in Durban report harsh conditions at Sherwood Park while unions urge workers to avoid anti-immigrant protests. Cross-border Refuge Concerns: Botswana says it won’t treat people fleeing South Africa’s xenophobic violence as refugees, focusing instead on return assistance. Energy & Trade Links: Mozambique’s telecom regulators take the helm of ARCTEL-CPLP, while LNG supply talks in the region continue to reshape power plans.

Mozambique Policy: The Bank of Mozambique is drafting new rules for how artificial intelligence can be used across the financial system, aiming to improve oversight while managing tech risks and protecting consumers. Energy & Industry: Mozambique’s role in the region’s LNG push is back in focus, with reports that Exxon is set to supply LNG to South Africa—while Mozambique is also mentioned as a potential LNG destination. Regional Politics & Security: Mozambique’s opposition and rights groups continue to face pressure, with accounts of alleged torture tied to Cabo Delgado-era crackdowns. Tourism Spotlight: Mozambique is being pitched as an “untapped tourism frontier,” with growing interest in its coastlines, parks and eco-travel potential. Migration Shock in the Region: South Africa’s anti-migrant violence and a looming June 30 deadline are driving fresh displacement, including Mozambicans, as leaders urge people not to scapegoat foreigners.

Mozambique Security & Justice: Mozambique’s Cabo Delgado remains in the spotlight as journalists and activists face intimidation and disappearances, including the ongoing case of Arlindo Chissale, a reporter who vanished after investigating sensitive issues tied to the insurgency and alleged abuses. Drugs & Crime: SERNIC says it seized 3.7 tonnes of fentanyl at Maputo Airport, arresting a Mozambican suspect and detaining a Nigerian national linked to the trafficking network. Transport & Trade: CFM has launched the second phase of doubling the Ressano Garcia railway line, a $160m project meant to boost Mozambique–South Africa logistics after earlier flood damage. Energy & Industry: South Africa’s IDC is weighing options to acquire South32’s stake in Mozal, as the smelter remains stalled over electricity cost disputes. Communications Regulation: Mozambique’s INCM moves to curb unsolicited promotional SMS by requiring prior consent. Regional Context: South Africa’s tougher immigration stance and xenophobic unrest continue to drive repatriations and diplomatic fallout, with Mozambique among the affected nationalities. Economy & Cost Pressures: Shipping lines are rolling out new peak-season surcharges and rate hikes that will hit routes including South Africa and Mozambique. Tourism Spotlight: A new push frames Mozambique as an emerging Indian Ocean tourism frontier, from Bazaruto to Gorongosa.

Immigration Tensions: South Africa deported 2,745 foreign nationals in a week as Home Affairs moves to tighten enforcement after anti-foreigner protests, with Mozambique, Malawi, Nigeria, Ghana and Zimbabwe among those affected; Mozambique-South Africa Relations: Frelimo warned the “wave of xenophobia” is jeopardising long-standing ties, while Mozambique’s consular missions and disaster bodies continue assisting victims and repatriating citizens; Mozambique Crime & Security: Mozambique seized 3.7 tonnes of synthetic drugs at Maputo International Airport, arresting a Mozambican and a Nigerian suspect after tests confirmed fentanyl; Development Finance: President Daniel Chapo promulgated a law creating a National Development Bank to finance strategic projects and close investment gaps, including for young entrepreneurs and agro-processing; Church & Justice: Mozambique’s Anglican Church called for a swift investigation into the June 6 killing of Catholic Bishop Osório Citara Afonso in Quelimane, after arrests failed to satisfy observers; Public Health: Tanzania research links lymphatic filariasis (elephantiasis) elimination efforts to lower new HIV infections, urging better integration into HIV prevention.