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The Confederation of Economic Associations of Mozambique (CTA) considers that one year without new completed kidnappings in the country represents a positive sign for the improvement of the business environment, strengthening confidence among entrepreneurs and investors after more than a decade marked by this type of crime.
In a statement released on Wednesday, 14 October, the business association described the achievement as an encouraging sign of improved security, public confidence and the stability needed to support economic activity in Mozambique.
According to the CTA, the security of people and property is one of the main factors contributing to a favourable business environment, with stability and predictability playing an essential role in attracting domestic and foreign investment.
The organisation stressed that a secure environment helps stimulate entrepreneurship, encourage the expansion of national companies and make Mozambique more attractive to private investors.
For several years, kidnappings significantly affected Mozambique's business community, creating insecurity among entrepreneurs, employees and their families, while also influencing investment decisions.
Figures previously released by business associations indicate that approximately 150 entrepreneurs were victims of kidnappings over a 12-year period. In 2024, the CTA reported that around 100 investors had left the country due to insecurity linked to these crimes.
In light of the progress achieved, the confederation praised the authorities' efforts to combat organised crime but emphasised the need to maintain and strengthen preventive measures, criminal investigations and accountability for those involved.
The CTA believes that consolidating these results requires coordinated action between the Government, the private sector and society, with particular attention to strengthening institutions and improving the effectiveness of the justice system.
The last known kidnapping occurred on 7 October 2025 in central Maputo, when a Portuguese businessman was abducted by armed and masked men. The victim was released on 10 March 2026 and, according to President Daniel Chapo, was the last hostage still being held captive in the country.
On 8 October, the Head of State announced that Mozambique had completed one year without any new recorded kidnappings, describing the achievement as progress in the fight against organised crime and a factor contributing to greater investor confidence.
Meanwhile, the Director-General of the National Criminal Investigation Service (SERNIC), Ilídio José Miguel, warned that the progress achieved should not lead to reduced vigilance.
He assured that the authorities would continue investigating and pursuing those involved in kidnapping crimes, including the alleged masterminds, adding that several suspects identified as perpetrators had already been arrested.
Previous SERNIC figures indicate that approximately 300 people have been arrested in connection with kidnapping cases since this form of criminal activity emerged in Mozambique.
Despite the positive developments, the CTA maintains that combating kidnappings must remain a priority to consolidate a secure and stable business environment capable of attracting investment, creating jobs and supporting sustainable economic growth.
The Centre for Public Integrity (CIP) has denounced alleged irregularities in the purchase of two garbage collection trucks by Maputo City Council, in a deal valued at 15.5 million meticals. According to the organisation, the vehicles were delivered with mechanical defects and never became operational, raising concerns about transparency in public procurement procedures.
The Mozambican Government has approved exceptional and temporary measures to simplify customs procedures for fuel imports, extending the deadlines for the storage and customs clearance of petroleum products until 31 December 2026, amid ongoing challenges in fuel supply across the country.
The Mozambican Government reaffirmed on Wednesday, 14 October, its commitment to modernising the Machipanda border crossing in Manica Province, a project valued at $30 million, despite a court order suspending the award of the international tender.
The Bank of Mozambique has extended by another six months the requirement for exporters to convert 50% of their export earnings into the national currency, in a move aimed at increasing foreign currency availability within the financial system. The decision took effect on 9 October, extending the exceptional regime introduced in April 2025.
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