AGP Executive Report

Xenophobia and repatriations: South African police are investigating the murder of a 29-year-old Malawian in Pietermaritzburg as hundreds of Malawians wait to be sent home amid fears of anti-migrant violence ahead of a June 30 “shutdown” deadline. Mozambique security: A new generation of Naparama fighters is taking on Islamic State militants in Cabo Delgado, reviving a militia name from the civil war era. Digital push: Mozambique plans to connect provincial capitals, special economic zones and dense areas to 5G by 2027, with rural coverage supported by new base stations and spectrum allocations. Northern development: Mozambique’s ADIN will lead a World Bank-funded US$250m Community project across Cabo Delgado, Niassa and Nampula, aiming to cut fragility and create jobs. Investment interest: An American firm says it wants to partner and finance projects in Mozambique across tourism, energy, health, real estate and technology. Mining pressure in the region: Zimbabwe vows tougher action against gold, lithium and diamond smuggling, while scrutiny of Chinese lithium mining grows.

Critical Minerals Push: Altona Rare Earths rebranded as NeoTerra Group Plc, widening beyond rare earths to critical minerals including gallium, fluorspar and copper, with Mozambique’s Monte Muambe at the centre of its expansion. Digital Infrastructure: President Daniel Chapo says Mozambique will connect all provincial capitals, SEZs and dense areas to 5G by 2027, with broader broadband access targeted by 2030, aiming to pull in investment and improve public services. LNG and Energy Security: Zululand Energy Terminal’s project operator signed a preliminary cooperation agreement with ExxonMobil’s South Africa LNG unit for Richards Bay’s first LNG terminal, as analysts warn Mozambique gas supply could tighten for South Africa. Finance for Development: Mozambique and the Islamic Development Bank agreed a three-year Partnership Plan to define priority financing projects across power transmission, Temane-related evacuation and education. Regional Security: Zimbabwe and Mozambique urged tighter intelligence sharing to tackle drug trafficking and other cross-border crimes.

5G Rollout: Mozambique President Daniel Chapo says the country will connect all provincial capitals, special economic zones and densely populated areas to 5G by 2027, with broadband improvements planned for all districts by 2030, framing digital transformation as a tool for investment, better public services and resilience to climate shocks. Finance & Power Projects: Mozambique and the Islamic Development Bank will develop a three-year Partnership Plan to define priority financing projects, including power transmission and Temane-related grid works, plus education support in Cabo Delgado. Mining Social Cohesion: Kenmare Resources and MASC launched a $500,000, three-year programme in Nampula’s mining areas to strengthen community participation, dialogue and conflict resolution. Trade Protection: South Africa’s trade authorities moved to impose provisional anti-dumping duties on certain steel pipes imported from Mozambique, citing dumped prices harming SACU manufacturers. AI Regulation: Bank of Mozambique governor Rogério Zandamela urged clear AI rules for the financial sector, warning about consumer harm, data misuse and cybersecurity risks.

Xenophobia and Migration Crisis: South Africa is tightening security as a June 30 anti-foreigner deadline nears, with police set to deploy more officers to prevent renewed violence. In the meantime, thousands of migrants are fleeing and neighbouring countries are repatriating citizens; Cape Agulhas Evacuation: over 1,200 foreign nationals (including Mozambicans, Zimbabweans and Malawians, with about 220 children) were evacuated from Cape Agulhas after intimidation and threats, then temporarily housed at a community hall before voluntary repatriation. Zimbabwe–Mozambique Diplomacy: Zimbabwe mourns Ambassador Victor Matemadanda, its envoy to Mozambique and Eswatini, who died at 66; reports around his illness include suspected food poisoning, but authorities have not disclosed details. Mozambique Mining Policy: Mozambique’s new mining law requiring a 15% state stake and tighter rules on exporting unprocessed minerals is already drawing warnings that it could deter foreign investors. Finance and AI: Bank of Mozambique Governor Rogério Zandamela urged clear regulation for AI in the financial sector to protect stability and consumers.

Mozambique–AI & Finance: 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 Climate: Mozambique’s new mining law requiring a 15% state stake and tighter controls on exporting unprocessed minerals is already worrying investors, with the Chamber of Mines warning it could deter foreign capital. Regional Xenophobia Fallout: South Africa’s anti-foreigner protests are driving mass flight and repatriations, as June 30 pressure grows and neighbours brace for returnees; Mozambique is also named among countries sending citizens home. Zimbabwe–Mozambique Diplomacy: Zimbabwe confirmed the death of Ambassador Victor Matemadanda, its envoy to Mozambique and Eswatini, with no cause disclosed, while speculation and calls for clarity swirl. Energy & Trade Links: South Africa’s push for LNG security at Richards Bay highlights the wider regional gas supply challenge as Mozambique fields near decline, while Zimbabwe’s trade deficit reportedly widened as imports rose faster than exports. Health & Human Development: Merck Foundation announced 2,600+ healthcare scholarships across Africa and Asia, aimed at building specialist capacity in underserved fields.

Xenophobia and Deportations: Thousands of Malawians and other foreign nationals are sheltering in Durban’s Sherwood Hall as South Africa’s June 30 anti-foreigner ultimatum nears, with reports of razor wire, overcrowding and fears of a repeat of past violence; at Beitbridge, buses have already arrived to process undocumented migrants for deportation. Diplomatic Loss: Zimbabwe mourns Ambassador Victor Matemadanda, accredited to Mozambique and Eswatini, remembered as a prominent liberation war veteran and outspoken public servant. Mozambique Conservation: Mozambique’s Zinave National Park in Inhambane has received nine female white rhinos from South Africa, lifting its white rhino total to 39 as ANAC and partners expand restoration efforts. Regional Transport/Trade: Zimbabwe’s Mutapa Investment Fund is backing NRZ rail recapitalisation, aiming to shift freight from roads to rail along key corridors. Energy/Policy Watch: ONGC says it is repositioning as a “gas and oil” firm as gas output overtakes crude, while broader regional energy security debates continue.

Mozambique Conservation: Mozambique welcomed nine female white rhinos translocated from South Africa to Zinave National Park in Inhambane, bringing the park’s white rhino total to 39 and adding to 22 black rhinos, in a restoration effort led by ANAC with South African partners. Cabo Delgado Rights: A UNFPA-linked report on Cabo Delgado describes rising abduction and sexual violence patterns since the 2017 conflict began, with victims and communities interviewed across multiple districts. Regional Xenophobia Watch: South Africa’s anti-foreigner violence and “June 30” anti-illegal immigration push continues to drive mass displacement, with reports of thousands heading to borders and deportation operations affecting migrants from countries including Mozambique. Energy & Trade: ExxonMobil signed a deal to supply LNG to South Africa’s planned Zululand Energy Terminal, aimed at boosting energy security as Mozambique gas supply declines. Climate Risk: A WMO report says extreme weather killed over 3,000 people and affected 13 million across Africa in 2025, with floods a major driver.

Humanitarian Push: The UAE is expanding emergency aid and early recovery across disaster-hit and crisis countries, including Syria (Euphrates floods), the Philippines (earthquake relief), and Ebola response support in the DRC and Uganda. Refugee Day & Regional Links: On 20 June, Refugee Day coverage highlights how displacement across Africa is reshaping economies and communities, with South Africa among the biggest hosts. Anti-Foreigner Violence in South Africa: Xenophobic attacks and online incitement are intensifying ahead of an unofficial 30 June anti-migrant deadline, with Malawians in Durban among those fleeing; South Africa’s unions warn workers not to risk jobs by joining protests. Mozambique Investment Climate: Mozambique’s amended mining law requiring a 15% state stake and tighter rules on exporting unprocessed minerals could deter foreign investors, industry warns. Cabo Delgado Security & Rights: Reports again spotlight Cabo Delgado’s war-time abuses, including rising sexual violence documented by UNFPA. Energy Watch: LNG momentum continues as ExxonMobil signs an LNG supply deal for South Africa’s planned Richards Bay terminal. Aviation Mystery: US officials say debris found in Mozambique may match a missing MH370 Boeing 777 part, pending verification.

LNG Deal for Energy Security: ExxonMobil has signed an agreement to supply liquefied natural gas to South Africa’s new Zululand Energy Terminal at Richards Bay, aimed at easing a looming “gas cliff” as Mozambique’s Pande-Temane supply declines. Xenophobia Fallout in the Region: In Durban, thousands of Malawians are packed into a makeshift camp in desperate conditions after anti-foreigner violence, with South Africa’s June 30 anti-immigrant deadline driving mass movement and fear. Mozambique Mining Rules Under Fire: Mozambique’s amended mining law requiring a 15% state stake in all ventures and tighter controls on mineral exports could deter foreign investors, according to the Chamber of Mines, even as the government pushes local processing. Cabo Delgado Rights and Justice: Mozambique’s human rights defenders and journalists’ groups condemn the seizure of investigative journalist Estácio Valoi’s tools in Cabo Delgado, warning of intimidation over reporting on timber smuggling. Children in Conflict: A new UN report says nearly 25,000 children suffered record violations in conflict last year, with government forces named as major perpetrators for the first time.

Mozambique Press Freedom: The Committee to Protect Journalists says Mozambique authorities should return equipment seized from investigative journalist Estacio Valoi and stop intimidation tied to his reporting on timber smuggling and conflict in Cabo Delgado. Regional Humanitarian Alarm: A new UN report says nearly 25,000 children were victims of record violations in conflict last year, with government forces listed as the main perpetrators for the first time. Mining Policy Shock: Mozambique’s new mine ownership rules requiring a 15% state stake and tighter controls on exporting unprocessed minerals could deter foreign investment, the Chamber of Mines warns. Cabo Delgado Environment & Security: CPJ also highlights how journalists in the province face extraordinary risks, as judicial harassment adds to fear. South Africa Migration Fallout: As xenophobic violence spreads, Nigeria says it will evacuate Nigerians willing to leave South Africa before a June 30 deadline, with the first batch already returned. El Niño Preparedness: FAO and WFP launched a US$202m anticipatory appeal to protect about 8.8 million people in 22 high-risk countries from El Niño-linked shocks.

Mozambique Press Freedom Under Fire: A Mozambican journalist was shot while covering protests, and rights groups say repression and killings are deepening, with police accused of using spy networks against government critics. Road Safety Reform: Mozambique’s Council of Ministers approved a revised road code, including a points-based driving licence and surveillance cameras to tighten enforcement. Economy Watch: Mozambique’s GDP grew 0.1% in Q1 2026, driven mainly by services, while extractives contracted. Children in Conflict: A UN report says nearly 25,000 children were affected by record violations last year, with government forces named as main perpetrators for the first time. El Niño Preparedness: FAO and WFP launched a $202m joint appeal to protect about 8.8 million people in high-risk countries, including Mozambique, from extreme weather. South Africa Xenophobia Fallout: ANC leaders rejected claims that attacks reflect broad xenophobia, while Nigeria and Malawi pushed evacuations of citizens ahead of a June 30 deadline. Mozal Uncertainty: Mozambique’s Mozal aluminium smelter future hinges on a new energy and shareholder structure as talks continue to keep the plant running.

Mozambique Road Safety Overhaul: Mozambique plans a points-based driver’s licence and road surveillance cameras as it revises the road traffic code, aiming to cut accidents and tighten enforcement, though no rollout timeline or budget has been set. Mozambique Security and Opposition Pressure: A report alleges Mozambique police used spy networks to pursue government critics, raising fresh concerns about surveillance and intimidation. Cabo Delgado Conflict Watch: Mozambique Conflict Monitor data shows Islamic State Mozambique insurgents shifting back to bases in Macomia after activity in the south, with continued clashes and mining-related tensions. Regional Energy Deal with Mozambique Link: South Africa’s first LNG import terminal at Richards Bay takes another step forward as ExxonMobil signs a heads of agreement to supply LNG, with Mozambique gas supply decline cited as a looming risk. Tongaat Hulett Rescue (SADC Jobs): South Africa’s sugar giant Tongaat Hulett narrowly avoids liquidation after IDC and Vision reach a business rescue deal, with claims it could protect about 250,000 jobs across the sugar value chain, including operations tied to Mozambique. El Niño Preparedness: FAO and WFP launch a joint anticipatory action appeal for 22 high-risk countries to protect nearly nine million people from potential El Niño-driven shocks. South Africa Xenophobia Fallout: Reports from Durban describe overcrowded camps of Malawians and clashes with police amid deportation and anti-migrant tensions ahead of a June 30 deadline.

Mozambique Road Safety Overhaul: Mozambique plans a points-based driver’s licence and road surveillance cameras as it revises the road traffic code, aiming to cut crashes and tighten enforcement, though no rollout timeline or budget has been shared. Mozambique Opposition Crackdown Allegations: A new report describes a pattern of surveillance and violence against government critics, including the unresolved abduction of journalist Arlindo Chissale, raising fresh concerns about security services. Mozambicans Stranded After Fraud: Mozambique says it is working to repatriate 14 nationals trapped in the Central African Republic after a fraudulent job recruitment scheme, with passports reportedly confiscated. Regional Xenophobia Fallout in South Africa: As South Africa’s June 30 deadline for undocumented migrants nears, thousands of Malawians and other Africans remain stranded in Durban under harsh conditions, with clashes involving police and growing calls for protection and restraint. Energy Deal With Mozambique Links: ExxonMobil has signed heads of agreement to import LNG into South Africa at Richards Bay, with Mozambique gas supply expected to decline by 2030—boosting the push for new gas-to-power options. Tongaat Hulett Rescue: South Africa’s sugar giant Tongaat Hulett narrowly avoided liquidation after a last-minute rescue deal, protecting about 250,000 jobs across the region’s sugar value chain.

Mozambique Economy & Tech: The Bank of Mozambique is drafting rules for how artificial intelligence should be used across the financial system, aiming to improve oversight, manage technological risks, and protect consumers’ rights. Regional Energy: South Africa’s Eskom CEO Dan Marokane says the country is closer than ever to gas-to-power projects, with investor interest already strong in the first procurement round. Migration & Governance: South Africa’s President Cyril Ramaphosa urged citizens not to scapegoat migrants as anti-foreigner violence and deportation deadlines intensify ahead of June 30. Mozambique Security & Rights: A Mozambique-linked UN statement raised alarm over the lack of independent monitoring in Western Sahara and highlighted alleged rights violations against Sahrawi detainees. Sports & Identity: Mozambique’s Bruno Langa is set to join Qarabag after agreeing a deal from Spain’s Almería, keeping the Mozambican flag in European competition.

G7 Diplomacy: PM Narendra Modi told the G7 in Evian that “mutual trust” is the key strategic asset for partnerships, warning that trade and technology are being misused and creating a global trust deficit. Mozambique Security & Rights: A new investigation into Cabo Delgado alleges intimidation and torture of opposition-linked activists, while journalist Arlindo Chissale remains missing after disappearing in 2025 amid sensitive reporting. Mozambique Opposition Crackdown: Reports highlight how state violence and intimidation continue to shadow Mozambique’s opposition after the 2024 elections. Mozambique Economy & Industry: South Africa’s IDC is weighing whether to acquire Mozal’s 63.7% stake to restart the Maputo-area aluminium smelter, stalled over electricity costs. Mozambique Infrastructure: CFM launched the second phase to double the Ressano Garcia railway line, budgeted at US$160m, aiming to boost corridor logistics. Drugs Bust: SERNIC seized 3.7 tonnes of fentanyl at Maputo Airport, arresting a suspect and linking the case to an international network. Regional Policing: South Africa arrested a third Mozambican suspect in the Kruger Park murder case, with cross-border cooperation involving Mozambique and Zimbabwe. South Africa Migration Fallout: Ramaphosa urged South Africans not to scapegoat migrants as xenophobic violence and deportations continue, with 2,745 foreign nationals repatriated in a week. Mozambique Tourism: A feature argues Mozambique is emerging as an untapped Indian Ocean tourism frontier, from Bazaruto to Gorongosa. Wildlife: A humpback whale carcass washed up in Zululand, with migration-linked visibility along the coast.

Mozambique Security & Justice: Mozambique authorities seized 3.7 tonnes of synthetic drugs disguised as supplements at Maputo International Airport, arresting two suspects (one Mozambican, one Nigerian) after lab tests confirmed fentanyl. National Development Finance: President Daniel Chapo promulgated a law creating a National Development Bank to fund strategic projects and close investment gaps, with the state holding a majority stake. Cabo Delgado Press Freedom: A journalist, Arlindo Chissale, has now been missing for 17 months after being abducted following reporting on alleged fraud and sensitive issues in Cabo Delgado. Church & Accountability: Mozambique’s Anglican and Catholic leaders are calling for a swift investigation into the June 6 killing of Bishop Osório Citara Afonso in Quelimane, after arrests failed to satisfy observers. Regional Shockwaves (South Africa): South Africa’s crackdown on illegal immigration continues, with 2,745 foreign nationals repatriated in a week amid ongoing xenophobic violence and diplomatic fallout affecting Mozambicans and other Africans.