AGP Executive Report

Shipping & Logistics: Mozambique’s transport minister says the country should make greater use of its 2,700-kilometre coastline, with coastal shipping offering an alternative to road freight and a way to ease pressure on roads. Energy: The ambassador to Russia says Mozambique hopes to deepen cooperation with Gazprom and NOVATEK on gas development, LNG exports and training local specialists; no agreements were announced. Separately, UK-backed clean-energy projects worth more than £2 million will scale solutions across Africa, including power for fishing communities in Mozambique. Mining: Abu Dhabi’s IRH has made a non-binding proposal to acquire Kenmare Resources, operator of the Moma titanium mine. Talks continue, with a firm-offer deadline of 17 November. Agriculture: Nampula’s governor has presented opportunities for investment in oilseed farming, edible-oil production and agro-processing to Indian investors.

Conservation & Tourism: Zinave National Park in Mozambique is rebounding after the civil war “emptied” wildlife: Peace Parks says 37 rhinos have returned since 2022 and produced seven calves, while lions have been recorded for the first time in decades. Aid & Environment Funding: A new analysis says the dismantling of USAID has stalled or collapsed conservation work worldwide, including wildlife patrol and monitoring support linked to Mozambique’s Gorongosa National Park. Security & Mining Risk: Mozambique’s Cabo Delgado insurgency pressure is rising again, with ISM tightening activity that disrupts commercial and humanitarian operations; separately, South Africa’s Operation Vala Umgodi arrested 22 suspected illegal miners (including Mozambicans) in Mpumalanga. Energy & LNG Momentum: Lloyd’s Register granted Approval in Principle to GasEntec’s new FSRU design, supporting Mozambique LNG infrastructure planning as the sector seeks more flexible regasification capacity. Agribusiness & Investment: Nampula Province is pitching Indian investors on oilseed cultivation and edible oil processing, as Asia-Africa farm trade and technology partnerships take centre stage. Mining & Value Chains: Gemfields set a new ore-processing target for its Montepuez ruby mine in Mozambique, alongside impairment updates tied to premium ruby performance.

LNG & Shipping: Lloyd’s Register granted South Korea’s GasEntec an Approval in Principle for a new FSRU design, with flexible open-, closed- or combined-loop regasification aimed at up to 1 bcf/day—useful for Mozambique’s floating gas ambitions. Energy Diplomacy: TotalEnergies’ Africa strategy spotlighted renewed momentum for Mozambique LNG and the push to build local industries, suppliers and jobs around major projects. Agribusiness & Investment: Nampula Province invited Indian agribusiness to scale oilseed production and edible oil processing, with the Asia Africa Agri Alliance convening industry and technology talks in Mumbai. Mining & Security: South African police arrested 22 suspected illegal miners in Mpumalanga, including Mozambicans, as Operation Vala Umgodi continues to target gold-bearing equipment and refining activity. Marine & Climate: Rare orca and whale-shark sightings off Mozambique are rising alongside El Niño-linked shifts in currents and plankton, raising questions for fisheries and coastal planning. Regional Finance: UK bank exits are driving a surge in COMESA mega-mergers, with banking and energy/petroleum leading deal counts. Corporate Moves: Kenmare Resources received a nonbinding takeover proposal from Abu Dhabi’s IRH; the Mozambique-linked Moma titanium mine remains in focus.

Energy Services & Local Content: Kaeso Energy Services’ Jorge de Morais says Africa’s “barrel is African, the value chain is not,” pushing for working capital, cross-border recognition of local-content certification, longer contracts and tech partnerships as Kaeso expands into Mozambique. ENH Leadership: Mozambique’s national hydrocarbons company ENH enters a “consequential chapter” under Rudêncio Morais, with a focus on strengthening commercial capability, expanding domestic gas infrastructure and boosting Mozambican participation across the energy value chain. LNG & Shipping Economics: Alaska LNG’s cost debate highlights how shipping and infrastructure spending shape competitiveness, while Oman replacing the US as India’s top LNG supplier underscores shifting West Asia supply risks. Mining & Processing in Mozambique: Gemfields targets higher throughput at Montepuez Ruby Mining but recorded a $125.2m impairment tied to weaker high-quality ruby recovery and delayed commissioning of a second processing plant. Security & Cabo Delgado: Mozambique’s army is still struggling to win a crucial counter-insurgency battle, with training gains not yet translating into improved security and reduced abuses against civilians. Agriculture & Food Production: President Chapo urges stronger Mozambique–China agricultural cooperation, pointing to Wanbao’s rice model and wheat trials as a route to higher yields and expanded local partnerships. Governance & Public Finance: Mozambique’s Administrative Tribunal approved the 2025 General State Account, showing a 0.52% GDP contraction and a budget deficit. Illegal Mining Crackdown: Nine Mozambican nationals were arrested in South Africa’s Mpumalanga during Operation Vala Umgodi, with mining implements and chemicals recovered. Media & Skills: Rwanda Broadcasting Agency signs a cooperation deal with Mozambique’s TVM to exchange programmes, digitise content and build journalism capacity.

Mozambique LNG & gas supply chain: Gemfields set a new performance target for its Montepuez ruby mine, aiming to process 11.39m tonnes of ore by June 2029, after a $125.2m impairment tied to weaker high-quality ruby recovery and commissioning delays at its second plant. Security & extractives: Mozambique’s army is still struggling to win community support in Cabo Delgado, with reports of ongoing human-rights abuses undermining counter-insurgency gains. Peace-to-jobs agenda: President Daniel Chapo says the next phase of Mozambique’s peace must translate into jobs, production and industrialisation, including mining/oil measures, local content and agricultural development. Agriculture & China ties: Chapo called for stronger Mozambique–China agricultural cooperation after visiting Wanbao’s Gaza rice and wheat operations, highlighting technology transfer and yield gains for local farmers. Governance & fiscal reality: Mozambique’s Administrative Tribunal approved the 2025 General State Account, showing a 0.52% GDP contraction and a smaller-than-projected deficit. Local industry capacity: Techdrilling opened a new Pemba office to bring inspection, NDT and safety training closer to Cabo Delgado oil & gas operations, while ROSCONSULT and KKLM Enterprise spotlight growing Mozambican services for energy, mining and industrial clients. Regional climate pressure: El Niño is expected to worsen drought risk across southern Africa, including southern Mozambique, threatening agriculture and livelihoods.

Aquaculture Science: University of Hawaiʻi researchers say Mozambique tilapia survive extreme saltwater by gradually shifting prolactin gene expression, a finding that could help future fish farming in harsh conditions. Port & Trade (Regional): DP World and Ogun State (Nigeria) signed MOUs to study a deep-sea port and special economic zone on a 10,000-hectare site, aiming to link manufacturing and logistics to global markets. Agriculture (Mozambique–China): President Daniel Chapo backed stronger Mozambique–China farm cooperation, pointing to Wanbao’s rice model in Gaza and its wheat trials with local farmers. Mining & Security: Nine Mozambicans were arrested in Mpumalanga, South Africa, in an illegal mining crackdown, with police recovering mining tools and chemicals. Public Finance (Mozambique): Mozambique’s Administrative Tribunal approved the 2025 General State Account, showing a 0.52% economic contraction and a smaller-than-projected deficit. Energy & LNG (Mozambique): TotalEnergies is weighing Mozambique LNG Phase 2 acceleration, while campaigners urge Japanese shipping firms to pause orders over human-rights concerns. Local Industry & Skills: Techdrilling opened a new Pemba office to bring inspection, NDT and safety training closer to Cabo Delgado’s oil and gas operations.

Illegal Mining Crackdown: Nine Mozambicans were arrested in Mashobodo, Mpumalanga under South Africa’s Operation Vala Umgodi, with police recovering pendukas, mining gear and chemicals allegedly used to process gold; suspects face charges and immigration status checks. Agriculture & Food Security: Mozambique President Daniel Chapo urged deeper Mozambique–China agricultural cooperation after visiting Wanbao’s Gaza rice farm, while El Niño-linked dry spells are expected to worsen food insecurity across southern and central Mozambique and Malawi. Mining Finance: Gemfields booked a $125.2m impairment on its Cabo Delgado ruby operation as high-quality recovery outlooks were revised, even as total production rose in H1. Public Finance Oversight: Mozambique’s Administrative Tribunal approved the 2025 General State Account, noting a 0.52% economic contraction and a smaller-than-projected deficit. LNG & Shipping Pressure: TotalEnergies is weighing Mozambique LNG Phase 2 acceleration, as campaigners urge Japanese shipowners to pause LNG carrier orders over human-rights concerns. Local Industry & Services: Techdrilling opened a new Pemba office to bring inspection, testing and HSE training closer to Cabo Delgado oil and gas operations. Regional Trade & Culture: Botswana and Mozambique agreed to elevate ties via a bi-national commission, while regional theatre exchanges brought 150+ artists to Eswatini.

Mozambique–Botswana Trade Push: President Daniel Chapo and Botswana agreed to upgrade ties via a Bi-National Commission, aiming to shift from diplomacy to measurable trade, investment and industrial jobs after modest current flows. Oil & Gas Local Capacity: Techdrilling opened a new Pemba operations base to bring inspection, NDT and HSE training closer to Cabo Delgado projects, strengthening locally available technical services. Local Business Growth: KKLM Enterprise is expanding water-treatment and PPE supply for Mozambique’s industrial, mining and energy sectors through regional partnerships. Energy & LNG Tensions: TotalEnergies is weighing faster Mozambique LNG Phase 2, while Justiça Ambiental and partners urge Japanese shipping firms to pause LNG carrier orders over unresolved community and human-rights concerns. SME-Led Development: Nedbank Mozambique argues SMEs should diversify the economy beyond heavy minerals and LNG, highlighting financing for local food production and milling. Agriculture Exports: Mozambique’s cassava export push to China gained momentum via a CCM–Long Ran MoU, targeting smallholder integration and large-scale processing. Climate & Rights Warning: A UN expert urged Mozambique to avoid deeper fossil fuel lock-in and align development with human-rights-based climate resilience. Governance Watch: Mozambique’s Constitutional Council vehicle contracts were suspended after procurement rule concerns, underscoring scrutiny of public spending.

Mozambique LNG: TotalEnergies is weighing faster Phase 2 Mozambique LNG expansion, including keeping construction teams at Afungi and tapping extra gas via ExxonMobil-linked arrangements, as campaigners push Japanese shipowners to pause orders for 17 LNG carriers over unresolved human-rights concerns. Climate & rights: A UN expert warned Maputo against deepening fossil-fuel dependency, saying Mozambique must steer toward a human-rights-based, climate-resilient development path to avoid fossil-fuel lock-in. Agribusiness exports: Mozambique and China-linked partners, via the Mozambican Chamber of Commerce and Long Ran, signed an MoU to expand cassava production and processing for export, targeting one million boxes and focusing on smallholders. SME push: Nedbank Mozambique says SMEs are key to diversifying growth beyond minerals and LNG, highlighting local food milling firm Merec as an example of industrial-scale potential. Fuel pressure (regional): Malawi’s forex crunch is reshaping fuel procurement, with Nocma tendering refined products through Mozambique and Tanzania ports using alternative payment terms and currencies. Transport & corridors: India’s Solvent Extractors’ Association is exploring an oilseed and edible-oil corridor with Nampula province to diversify supply routes into India via the Nacala corridor. Governance & procurement: Mozambique’s Constitutional Council awarded vehicle contracts worth MZN49.5m, but the finance ministry suspended the procurement after “indications” of rule breaches.

Mozambique–Belarus Energy Talks: Belarus’s foreign minister met Mozambique’s mineral resources and energy chief in Minsk, focusing on joint projects in energy, mining and natural resource processing, plus Belarusian vehicles and fertiliser supply. LNG Expansion Under Pressure: TotalEnergies is weighing faster Mozambique LNG Phase 2 work and new gas supply links, while Justiça Ambiental and partners urge Japanese shipping firms to pause orders for LNG carriers over unresolved human-rights concerns and community grievances. Cassava Export Push: Mozambique’s Chamber of Commerce and China’s Long Ran signed an MoU to boost cassava production and processing for exports to China, targeting one million boxes and prioritising smallholders, with Gaza flagged for export-oriented value chains. Climate & Rights Warning: A UN expert told Maputo that Mozambique must avoid deepening fossil-fuel dependency to protect human rights and climate resilience, especially as extreme El Niño conditions raise risks for vulnerable communities. Food Security Shock Watch: UN officials warned that disruptions to fertiliser shipments via the Strait of Hormuz could hit countries including Mozambique, where Gulf supplies underpin 50–60% of fertiliser needs. Aviation Security Debate: A Flydubai cockpit stabbing and attempted crash has reignited scrutiny of cockpit-door rules, with implications for airline safety practices across the region.

Climate & Rights: A UN expert says Mozambique must adopt a human-rights-based climate resilience path and avoid deepening fossil fuel dependency, warning that Super-El Niño risks will hit the poor hardest. LNG & Shipping: TotalEnergies weighs accelerating Mozambique LNG Phase 2, while campaigners urge Japanese shipping firms to pause orders for LNG carriers amid unresolved community and human-rights concerns. Agribusiness Exports: Mozambique’s Chamber of Commerce and China’s Long Ran sign an MoU to boost cassava production and export to China, targeting one million boxes and pushing smallholder integration. Food Security: UN warns Strait of Hormuz fertilizer disruptions could worsen food insecurity, citing Mozambique among countries heavily reliant on Gulf fertilizer supplies. Oilseed Corridor: SEA and Nampula province explore a sustainable oilseed and edible oil corridor to diversify India’s imports, leveraging Nacala corridor links. Banking & FX: Bank of Mozambique keeps the MIMO rate at 9.25% and modifies reserve rules; it also reports heavy FX trading driven by LNG and extractives. Energy Finance/Policy: Mozambique denies a new fuel shortage, blaming weekend logistics constraints for queues. Governance: Mozambique’s Constitutional Council awards vehicle contracts worth MZN49.5m, then the finance ministry suspends procurement over alleged rule breaches. Industry & Skills: Mozambique-linked theatre training opens at the October International Theatre Festival, pairing young performers with established practitioners.

Mozambique–India Agribusiness: SEA and Mozambique’s Nampula province signed a statement of interest to explore a sustainable oilseed and edible-oil corridor, aiming to diversify India’s import sources beyond a handful of countries and leveraging Nampula’s crops plus Nacala corridor links to the port. Banking & FX: Mozambique’s central bank kept the benchmark MIMO rate at 9.25% and adjusted reserve requirements, citing climate shocks and Middle East/Europe risks; it also reported heavy FX trading (banks bought $5.73bn and sold $5.65bn Jan–Aug), driven by LNG and extractives. Gas & Industry Readiness: South Africa’s shift from Mozambique natural gas toward a methane-rich gas bridge (and possible LNG) is pushing industrial users to demand faster, plant-level gas quality data to reduce equipment risk. Regional Trade & Logistics: Hapag-Lloyd plans new offices in Namibia, Rwanda and Burundi from 1 Oct to deepen regional connectivity, while InterAsia Lines launched a weekly service calling at Mombasa with links to Mozambique and East Africa. Security & Disruption Watch: Mozambique-linked concerns around fertilizer flows through the Strait of Hormuz were flagged by a UN official as a risk to food security, with Mozambique cited among Gulf-dependent importers.

Mozambique–Botswana ties: President Daniel Chapo says his Botswana state visit delivered stronger cooperation, new investment prospects and plans for air links to Mozambique’s tourism hubs (Vilankulo, Inhambane and Maputo), with gas flagged as a major diversification revenue source. Fuel logistics pressure in Mozambique: Mozambique’s energy ministry denies a new national fuel shortage despite queues in Maputo and other cities, blaming weekend logistical constraints tied to national anniversary holidays that delayed loading and distribution. Maritime fuels at Beira: Oceania Bunkering Mozambique will start ship-to-ship bunkering at Beira Anchorage in October, initially supplying LSMGO and later adding more grades, supported by Petromoc and CFM Logistics. Regional energy investment ripple: While not Mozambique-specific, Kenya’s launch of Dangote’s $16bn Lamu refinery underlines the wider East Africa push to cut refined fuel import dependence—an opportunity and a competitive pressure for Mozambique’s own energy and port services. Aviation security debate: A flydubai cockpit stabbing and attempted crash has reignited scrutiny of crew-related hijacking risks and cockpit access rules.

Mozambique LNG & subsea build-out: SLB OneSubsea has won a contract from ExxonMobil Moçambique for subsea production systems for the first phase of the Rovuma LNG project in Mozambique’s Area 4, covering subsea trees, manifolds, umbilicals and control systems plus engineering, procurement, manufacturing and installation, with plans for a Mozambique service base to support training and local supply chains. Tax policy shift: Mozambique’s Council of Ministers approved amendments to Corporate Income Tax, VAT and Personal Income Tax rules under PESOE-2027, aiming to improve tax administration, broaden the base and add clarity for areas including the digital economy, alongside a new Simplified Tax for Small Taxpayers regulation. Fuel logistics expansion: Oceania Bunkering Mozambique says it will launch ship-to-ship bunkering at Beira Anchorage in October, starting with LSMGO and later adding other fuel grades, supported by a 2,500-mt bunker barge and backed by Mozambican state entities Petromoc and CFM Logistics. Regional energy context: While not Mozambique-specific, Dangote’s $16bn Lamu refinery push in Kenya underlines the wider push for regional fuel self-sufficiency and industrial jobs across the Mozambique Channel corridor.

Rovuma LNG Supply Chain: ExxonMobil Moçambique has awarded SLB OneSubsea a contract for Phase 1 subsea production systems for the Area 4 offshore Rovuma LNG project, covering subsea trees, manifolds, umbilicals and control systems, with SLB planning a Mozambique services base to support training, jobs and regional supply chains. Rail Turnaround Finance: Zimbabwe’s Mutapa Investment Fund says NRZ’s rail revival needs stronger governance, cleared audits and better commercial performance to unlock new capital for locomotives, wagons and workshops, following a recent US$2.5m Zimasco-backed refurbishment push. Mozambique Aviation Procurement: Mozambique’s state companies behind Air Mozambique have formed Fly Moz Investimentos to handle aircraft acquisition via “dry lease” arrangements, with the new entity registered on the BVM and headquartered in Maputo. Regional Trade & Agro-Industry: President Daniel Chapo urged deeper Mozambique–Botswana cooperation in trade, investment, production, industrialization and jobs, highlighting logistics, agriculture, livestock and agro-processing. Zambezi Climate Resilience: Zambezi Basin states agreed on priority interventions for food security and livelihoods under a proposed US$130m regional climate-resilience programme spanning Angola, Botswana, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, Tanzania, Zambia and Zimbabwe. Fuel Price Pressure Across Africa: Diesel price hikes tied to global oil and shipping disruptions are feeding into wider logistics and operating costs, a reminder for Mozambique’s import-dependent energy and transport economics.

Aviation & Leasing: Mozambique’s state stakeholders behind Air Mozambique have set up Fly Moz Investimentos to handle aircraft acquisition, with a “dry lease” model where the new firm owns planes while Air Mozambique operates them under its own certificate. LNG & Subsea Engineering: SLB OneSubsea won a major subsea systems contract for ExxonMobil Mozambique and Area 4 partners supporting the first phase of the Rovuma LNG project, with plans for a Mozambique services base. Rail Freight Revival: Zimbabwe’s NRZ held its AGM as it pushes rail freight recovery via refurbished locomotives and wagons under public-private partnerships, including Zimasco support and new logistics links. Agro-Industry & Regional Trade: Mozambique President Daniel Chapo urged faster Mozambique–Botswana cooperation across logistics, agriculture, livestock and agro-processing, citing low current trade volumes. Climate Resilience: Zambezi Basin states agreed on priority interventions for a US$130m regional programme to strengthen food security, livelihoods and ecosystems. Energy Policy Pressure: A new IEA call says Africa needs about $150bn to reach universal electricity access by 2035, highlighting grid, mini-grid and solar funding gaps. Innovation Benchmark: WIPO’s Global Innovation Index 2026 points to AI-driven rebounds in venture capital and R&D, with Switzerland, Sweden, the US, Korea and Singapore leading. Port & Logistics Partnerships: Hapag-Lloyd and DP World expanded cooperation to secure long-term terminal capacity and back port infrastructure development including Maputo. Mining Expansion: NeoTerra applied for a US$5m grant to expand Mozambique’s Monte Muambe fluorspar project, aiming at larger resources and possible downstream processing.