Mozambican Businessman Sentenced to 11 Years in Prison in the US
A Mozambican businessman has been sentenced to 11 years and three months in a United States federal prison in connection with an international money laundering conspiracy.

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A Mozambican businessman has been sentenced to 11 years and three months in a United States federal prison in connection with an international money laundering conspiracy.

Mozambican political party the National Alliance for a Free and Autonomous Mozambique (Anamola) has expressed surprise at the Supreme Court’s decision to order the unblocking of Venâncio Mondlane’s bank accounts, as he remains accused of crimes related to the post-election protests of 2024.

Mozambican President Daniel Chapo has appointed Edson da Graça Francisco Macuácua as the new Minister of Education and Culture, replacing Samaria dos Anjos Filemon Tovela, who was dismissed from her position.

Mozambican President Daniel Chapo has appointed musician and academic Isaú Joaquim Meneses as the new Secretary of State for Science and Higher Education, as part of a government reshuffle announced on Wednesday, 14 October, in Maputo.

The Maputo Juvenile Court is scheduled to hear the case of a 13-year-old boy accused of killing his 12-year-old neighbour, known as Edy, in the Militar neighbourhood of Maputo, on Thursday, 15 October. Under Mozambican law, children under the age of 16 cannot be held criminally responsible, although they may be subject to educational and corrective measures.

Only 15% of Mozambique’s population can afford to maintain an active mobile data package, in a country of around 36 million people, according to figures presented on Wednesday, 7 October, in Maputo.

Mozambique’s National Institute of Meteorology (INAM) has issued a warning for moderate to heavy rainfall, accompanied by thunderstorms and strong wind gusts, across several areas of Gaza, Inhambane, Sofala and Manica provinces.

Mozambique's Minister of Health, Hussene Isse, has revealed that more than 50 healthcare workers have been dismissed for involvement in illegal practices, including the diversion of medicines, unlawful charges and poor treatment of patients. The dismissals have taken place since the beginning of the current government's term as part of efforts to tackle irregularities within the National Health System.

Electricidade de Moçambique (EDM), Mozambique’s state-owned electricity company, will invest more than €19 million in the construction of an electrical substation and a power transmission line in Tete Province. The tender for the works is expected to be launched in the fourth quarter of 2026.

Annual shrimp catches in Mozambique's Sofala Bank have fallen by 40%, from approximately 2,500 to 1,500 tonnes, a decline that authorities link to illegal fishing, violations of the closed fishing season and the destruction of mangroves, all of which threaten the sustainability of fisheries resources in the region.

Consumer prices in Mozambique rose by 0.16% in September, ending two consecutive months of deflation, while year-on-year inflation slowed to 6.31%, according to data released by the National Institute of Statistics (INE).

Mozambican singer Tchakaze, the stage name of Teresa da Graça Rangel Semende, has been appointed Ambassador of the Casa de Moçambique in Portugal and awarded the “Silver Shield” in recognition of her contribution to the promotion of Mozambican culture.

Brazilian Senator Flávio Bolsonaro, the Liberal Party (PL) candidate in Brazil's presidential election, defeated incumbent President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva among Brazilian voters living in Mozambique during the presidential runoff held on Sunday, 25 October. The contest was closely fought, with just nine votes separating the two candidates.

Maputo Province has water reserves exceeding 80% of the storage capacity of the Pequenos Libombos and Corumana dams, as weather forecasts point to a significant influence of the El Niño phenomenon on the 2026–2027 agricultural season.

Mozambique's National Criminal Investigation Service (SERNIC) has dismantled a clandestine drug manufacturing facility in the Magoanine B neighbourhood of Maputo, seizing various pieces of equipment and chemicals used in the processing of illegal substances. The operation led to the arrest of a Mozambican national identified as the tenant of the property where the illegal facility was operating.

The leader of the National Alliance for a Free and Autonomous Mozambique (Anamola), Venâncio Mondlane, accused government authorities in Inhambane province of political persecution on Saturday, 24 October, after the district administration of Inhassoro allegedly prevented party members from holding a meeting to follow the organisation's first Extraordinary National Convention, held in Maputo, via digital platforms.

Brazil heads to the polls this Sunday, 25 October, for the second round of its presidential election, in a closely contested race between incumbent President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva and Senator Flávio Bolsonaro, son of former President Jair Bolsonaro. More than 158 million voters are eligible to cast their ballots in an election that could determine the political and economic direction of Latin America's largest economy.

Mozambique's National Social Security Institute (INSS) could allocate up to 25% of its investment portfolio to the Mozambique Development Bank (BDM), under financing mechanisms established by the legislation governing the new financial institution. The investment would be implemented gradually, without compromising INSS's ability to meet its obligations to beneficiaries.

Mozambican President Daniel Chapo on Wednesday, 14 October, called for 487 enterprises operating under public-private partnerships (PPPs), large-scale projects and business concessions to be listed on the Mozambique Stock Exchange (BVM), allowing Mozambican citizens to acquire shares and participate directly in the ownership of these companies.

Mozambique and Tanzania have agreed to strengthen defence and security cooperation by adopting joint strategies to combat terrorism, organised crime and other cross-border threats that pose risks to the stability of both countries.

Mozambique has increased its energy access rate to 66.9%, with 57.9% of the population connected to the national electricity grid and approximately 9% relying on off-grid solutions, including household solar systems and mini-grids, the Ministry of Mineral Resources and Energy has announced.

England striker Harry Kane, who plays for Bayern Munich, won the 2026 Ballon d’Or on Monday, 26 October, beating France’s Kylian Mbappé of Real Madrid and Spain’s Lamine Yamal of Barcelona. The award, presented by France Football magazine, recognises the 33-year-old as the world’s best footballer following a season marked by an outstanding goalscoring performance.

The Government of Manica province has acknowledged the difficulties it faces in controlling illegal mining, particularly at the gold mining site known as "Seis Carros", in Vanduzi district, where unregulated operations have led to landslides and fatalities. According to provincial authorities, the site once attracted more than 12,000 artisanal miners.

A massive fire destroyed a supermarket and three warehouses in the Zimpeto neighbourhood of Maputo, putting more than 100 jobs at risk. The blaze broke out on the evening of Saturday, 10 October, and continued until Sunday afternoon, requiring several firefighting teams to battle the flames for approximately 17 hours.

The European Union (EU) has temporarily suspended imports of fresh meat and certain meat products from Namibia following the confirmation of a foot-and-mouth disease outbreak in the country.

Mozambique's Parliament approved a revision to the 2026 Economic and Social Plan and State Budget (PESOE) on Saturday, 24 October, increasing public expenditure from 520.6 billion to 524.2 billion meticais. The amendment incorporates additional revenue from natural gas production and was passed with the support of the ruling Frelimo party, while all three opposition parties voted against it.

Angolan President João Lourenço announced on Monday, 19 October, that he had invited Namibia to become a shareholder in the Lobito oil refinery, currently under construction in Benguela province, with a planned processing capacity of 200,000 barrels of oil per day. The initiative aims to strengthen energy cooperation between the two countries and promote the local processing of petroleum resources.

Three people died on Sunday morning, 11 October, after a fire completely destroyed the CHAMBO passenger vessel, which operates between Mbamba Bay in Tanzania and Metangula in Mozambique's Niassa Province. The vessel was carrying 43 people, including crew members, when the incident occurred.

Mozambique's National Communications Institute (INCM) has expressed concern over the growing number of companies and individuals providing parcel and correspondence delivery services without the required licences, at a time when only 38 postal operators are legally authorised to operate in the country.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has ordered a review of security procedures applied to foreign airlines operating flights to Israel following an attack aboard a Flydubai aircraft travelling from Dubai to Tel Aviv.

The Mozambican Government has decided to extend until March 2029 the validity of a $2.25 billion sovereign guarantee granted to creditors of the Mozambique LNG project, led by French energy giant TotalEnergies in Area 1 of the Rovuma Basin, Cabo Delgado province. The decision follows a revision of the financial timetable for the project, valued at approximately $20 billion.

Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva was re-elected on Sunday, October 25, after defeating Flávio Bolsonaro in the second round of the presidential election, staging an unprecedented comeback in Brazil's democratic history. The victory secures the Workers' Party (PT) leader a fourth presidential term, extending his time in office until 2030.

Mozambique's President, Daniel Chapo, will pay a working visit to the Russian Federation from 27 to 29 October to attend the third Russia-Africa Summit, scheduled for 28 and 29 October in Moscow. The visit comes at the invitation of Russian President Vladimir Putin, with whom the Mozambican Head of State is expected to hold bilateral talks aimed at strengthening cooperation between the two countries.

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.

The Mozambican Government has set the reference price for cashew nuts at 48 meticais per kilogram for producers during the 2026/2027 marketing season, representing a 6.67% increase compared with the 45 meticais applied in the previous season.

US President Donald Trump has signed an executive order temporarily allowing the use on public roads of red-dyed diesel, a fuel normally reserved for agriculture, construction and other off-road activities, as part of efforts to reduce fuel costs.

President Daniel Chapo is paying an official visit to the Republic of the Congo from 6 to 7 October, with the aim of strengthening friendship and cooperation between the two countries.

Mozambique’s Technical Commission for Inclusive National Dialogue (COTE) has formally concluded its public hearings and is now moving into a new phase focused on organising and analysing the contributions collected throughout the consultation process.

**Ethiopian Airlines officially launched scheduled flights between Nacala, in Mozambique's northern Nampula Province, and Addis Ababa, the capital of Ethiopia, on Tuesday, October 27. The new route will operate three times a week, connecting passengers to a global network of more than 130 destinations.**

Mozambique’s Ministry of Education and Culture (MEC) and Ministry of Finance are discussing mechanisms to settle outstanding payments owed to teachers, including overtime compensation, additional teaching shifts, salaries and career progression entitlements. The two institutions are also seeking financial resources to ensure the printing and distribution of school textbooks for the 2027 academic year.

Mozambique held its first domestic auction of rubies and corundum on Friday, 23 October, in the city of Nacala, Nampula Province. Organised by mining company Fura Gems, the event attracted interest from at least four companies. The auction featured three kilogrammes of precious gemstones divided into four lots, marking a new chapter in the commercialisation and development of the country’s mineral resources.

The Mozambican Government has launched a new digital platform aimed at simplifying access to public services, reducing bureaucracy and shortening waiting times for citizens. The system will facilitate procedures related to identity cards, passports, driving licences and residence documents for foreign nationals.

Mozambique's National Roads Administration (ANE) has awarded nine contracts for the rehabilitation and paving of 485 kilometres of roads in Inhambane and Sofala provinces, representing a total investment of 20.6 billion meticais (approximately €292.8 million).

A US court has sentenced Duane “Keffe D” Davis, 63, to 40 years in prison for orchestrating the murder of rapper Tupac Shakur, who was fatally shot in September 1996 in Las Vegas, United States.

The Bank of Mozambique is preparing a platform to monitor foreign exchange market transactions in real time, with the aim of strengthening transparency and reducing information asymmetries among economic agents.

The Mozambican Government is preparing new rules that will require public institutions to regularly disclose information on the use of state funds, public debt and the implementation of the State Budget. The measures are part of a public financial management reform scheduled to be implemented by 2035, aimed at strengthening transparency and oversight of public spending.

The Government of Ghana has decided to formally apply to join BRICS, the group that brings together some of the world’s major emerging economies.

Four people kidnapped by terrorists in Maulela village, Ntamba Administrative Post, Nangade District, in Cabo Delgado, were released on Sunday, 4 October, after their families paid a ransom.

South Africa will increase the prices of petrol, diesel and other petroleum products from Wednesday, 7 October, in an adjustment driven mainly by higher international oil and refined fuel prices.

**The Real Madrid star has reportedly lost several sponsorship deals with Chinese companies following the circulation of a video in which he appears to make a joke about former Chinese leader Mao Zedong. The French forward has apologised, but the controversy continues to spark reactions across China.**

Demonstrations held across several French cities on Saturday, 24 October, resulted in at least 1,314 arrests, 53 injured security officers and dozens of vandalised businesses. The protests, organised against the rising cost of living and in defence of public services, attracted hundreds of thousands of participants, according to figures released by France's Ministry of the Interior.

Mozambique's National Roads Administration (ANE) plans to install 12 steel bridges in Niassa province, northern Mozambique, as part of a World Bank-funded project aimed at improving road connectivity and strengthening infrastructure resilience to the effects of climate change. The works are expected to take approximately ten months.

The National Council of the Mozambican National Resistance (Renamo) decided on Thursday, 22 October, to expel António Muchanga, a longstanding party figure and outspoken critic of Ossufo Momade's leadership, over alleged violations of the party's statutes. The decision comes amid growing internal opposition and mounting calls for changes in the party's leadership.

The government of Mozambique’s Tete province has distributed 180 head of cattle to farmers in the districts of Angónia, Tsangano and Macanga, as part of an initiative aimed at increasing agricultural production, reducing farming costs and improving the livelihoods of 120 rural families.

The Brazilian Senate approved a constitutional amendment on Wednesday, 14 October, aimed at ending the six-day working week with only one day off, introducing a new system of five working days and two days of weekly rest without reducing workers' salaries.

The Maputo City Juvenile Court began the trial on Thursday, 15 October, of a 12-year-old boy accused of fatally stabbing his 13-year-old friend and neighbour in the Zona Militar neighbourhood of Mozambique's capital, following an alleged dispute after a football match.

The Mozambique Cereals Institute (ICM) has indefinitely suspended rice and wheat import operations by Companhia Industrial da Matola (CIM), África Indústria and Pembe Mozambique over alleged violations of the regulations governing the importation of these products into the country. The measure took effect on 13 October and involves thousands of tonnes of cereals, some of which have already been seized by the authorities.

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.

Mozambican President Daniel Chapo has announced that authorities will begin the compulsory collection of illegally held firearms after the voluntary surrender campaign ends in December 2026. The measure is expected to take effect in January 2027, following the expiration of the amnesty period granted to citizens possessing unregistered or illegally held weapons.

The Mozambican Government has introduced new rules into its petroleum legislation to prevent the State from bearing financial costs arising from project suspensions caused by force majeure events. The measure follows disagreements with French multinational TotalEnergies, which claimed an additional $4.5 billion in costs associated with the suspension of the Mozambique LNG project in Cabo Delgado.

Maputo Municipality has announced stronger enforcement against vehicles parked on pavements, following continued violations that restrict pedestrian movement across several parts of the capital.

The city of Quelimane, capital of Zambézia Province, has been awarded Gold in the Human-CentriCity category at the Seoul Smart City Prize 2026 in South Korea.

The World Bank forecasts a rise in prices in Mozambique throughout 2026, at a time when the country’s economy is expected to grow by only 0.6%.

**Mozambique's instant payment system, Metix, is gaining traction among banking customers. In just seven months, the average number of daily transactions has quadrupled, rising from 3,000 to approximately 12,000, according to figures released by the Bank of Mozambique.**

**Mozambique's Minister of Planning and Development, Salim Valá, says the country must accelerate economic diversification while awaiting higher revenues from major natural gas projects in the Rovuma Basin.**

Mozambique and Russia have expressed their intention to strengthen economic and commercial cooperation, with the aim of identifying new investment opportunities and expanding bilateral relations. The commitment was highlighted on Monday, 26 October, during a meeting between Mozambican President Daniel Chapo and Dmitry Medvedev, Deputy Chairman of the Security Council of the Russian Federation, in Moscow.

US President Donald Trump raised allegations of fraud in Brazil’s presidential election on Monday, 26 October, following the re-election of Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva for a fourth term. Despite questioning the legitimacy of the electoral process, the American leader provided no evidence of irregularities.

The Mozambican Government is preparing to open document application centres in South Africa, Portugal and England within the next six months, aiming to improve access to public services for citizens living abroad and reduce the costs associated with travelling back to Mozambique.

Mozambique’s National Energy Fund (FUNAE) plans to complete ten electrification projects by June 2027, as part of efforts to accelerate electricity access across the country, particularly in rural areas. The initiative follows financial constraints that have delayed construction works and the maintenance of energy infrastructure in several regions.

The Angolan Government has proposed a 10% salary increase for public sector employees in 2027, a move that has drawn criticism from trade unions, which consider the proposed adjustment insufficient compared with a 2024 agreement that envisaged a cumulative 100% salary increase over three years.

Mining company Disheng, which operates in the heavy mineral sands sector in Mozambique's Gaza province, could resume operations in the coming days after several months of inactivity. The restart depends, among other factors, on the arrival of tugboats at the Port of Chongoene, expected by the end of October, which should facilitate the transportation of mineral production to international markets.

The Mozambican Government, through the National Roads Administration (ANE), has awarded contracts worth approximately €133 million for the rehabilitation and paving of 197 kilometres of roads in Cabo Delgado province, northern Mozambique. The works cover three road sections and form part of the national "Mais Estradas – 2031" programme, aimed at improving connectivity and strengthening transport infrastructure across the country.

The death toll from a road accident in Mazóe, Changara district, in Mozambique’s Tete province, has risen from 13 to 14 after another victim died on Saturday night, October 17. The collision, involving an interprovincial passenger bus and a minibus used for public transport, also left 16 people injured.

Maputo Municipal Council is seeking Chinese investors to support urban development, housing and tourism projects in the municipal districts of KaTembe and KaNyaka, as part of a strategy to attract foreign investment and stimulate economic growth in Mozambique’s capital.

Ana Rita Sithole, a former member of Mozambique’s National Assembly and a prominent historical figure of the ruling Frelimo party, died on Sunday, October 18, in Johannesburg, South Africa. She had been receiving medical treatment at a hospital in the country before succumbing to an illness.

The Mozambican Government has acknowledged to the International Monetary Fund (IMF) that it is facing liquidity constraints in the State Treasury, affecting the full implementation of the State Budget and the timely fulfilment of public debt servicing obligations.

Three Mozambican citizens who fell victim to human trafficking in the Central African Republic have returned home following several weeks of diplomatic efforts involving authorities from both countries and the International Organization for Migration (IOM). The victims have been in Manica Province, their home region, since Thursday, 8 October.

The Rector of the Catholic University of Mozambique (UCM), Filipe Sungo, has called for measures to prevent deaths in artisanal gold mines, stressing that the country's mineral resources should generate wealth and promote development rather than be associated with the loss of human lives.

The Mozambican Government plans to train at least 1,000 agribusiness entrepreneurs each year through an incubation programme expected to be launched later in 2026.

**At least 64 people have been killed and more than 80 injured following a collision between two high-speed trains in Spain's Toledo province on Wednesday, October 28. The accident, involving 544 passengers, caused several carriages to derail and prompted the suspension of rail services between Madrid and Andalusia.

The Canadian Government, through Global Affairs Canada (GAC), is funding a project aimed at supporting 200 small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Mozambique, 60% of which are expected to be owned or led by women. The initiative seeks to strengthen business competitiveness, promote exports and accelerate digital transformation.

Letshego Bank has announced a five-year expansion plan in Mozambique, aiming to surpass 500,000 customers through greater financial inclusion, modernisation of banking services and investment in digital transformation.

The Mozambique Republic Police (PRM) have yet to establish the circumstances surrounding the deaths of three men whose bodies were discovered in early October in Nacavala administrative post, Meconta district, in the northern province of Nampula. One of the victims showed signs of decapitation.

A €500 million credit facility announced by the Portuguese Government to support investment by Portuguese companies in Mozambique has yet to become fully operational, ten months after Prime Minister Luís Montenegro unveiled the initiative during the 6th Portugal-Mozambique Summit, held in Porto in December 2025.

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.

Pope Leo XIV announced on Sunday, 11 October, that he will undergo surgery to remove a nodule detected in one of his lungs during recent medical examinations. The operation is expected to take place in the coming days at Gemelli University Hospital in Rome.

South African jurist and human rights advocate Navi Pillay, 85, has been awarded the 2026 Nobel Peace Prize, announced on Friday, 9 October, in Oslo, Norway, in recognition of her contributions to peace, international justice and accountability for serious human rights violations.

Mozambique and the Republic of Congo intend to strengthen bilateral cooperation through the signing of new agreements in the economic, political and diplomatic areas, as part of President Daniel Chapo’s visit to the Central African country.

