Mozambique flag

Mozambique

Republic of Mozambique (República de Moçambique)
Portuguese Currency MZN Civil law with customary SADC • AfCFTA • Commonwealth

Southern African economy anchored by LNG (Rovuma Basin), coal and heavy mineral sands, agriculture (cashew, sugar, oilseeds), and logistics through the Maputo, Beira and Nacala corridors. Investment facilitation is via APIEX; tax and customs by the Autoridade Tributária; monetary policy by Banco de Moçambique.

Overview

LNG exports from Coral Sul FLNG (since 2022) and planned phases, coal in Tete, graphite and heavy mineral sands, plus agriculture and fisheries drive the economy. Company registration is handled at the Legal Entities Registry (CREL) with one-stop support via BAU; investors register with APIEX, taxes with the Autoridade Tributária, and FX is overseen by the central bank.

Snapshot

Population
~34.6 M 2024
World Bank WDI / INE
GDP current USD
$22.4 B 2024
World Bank WDI
GDP per Capita
$647 2024
World Bank WDI
Inflation y over y
~4.0% Jul 2025
INE / Banco de Moçambique CPI
Policy Rate
10.25% 2025
Banco de Moçambique MPC
Internet Use
~20% 2023
World Bank WDI
Electrification
~36% 2023
World Bank WDI
Market Note
BVM equity and government bonds
Bolsa de Valores de Moçambique

Focus Sectors

LNG & Gas (Rovuma) Mining & Heavy Sands Metals & Manufacturing (MOZAL) Agribusiness & Cashew Fisheries & Aquaculture Logistics (Maputo/Beira/Nacala) Tourism & Islands Power (Cahora Bassa; gas-to-power) ICT & Mobile Money Construction & Materials

Trade

Top Export Partners 2023

  • India~15–16%
  • China~14%
  • South Africa~14%
  • South Korea~6%
  • United Kingdom~5%
UN Comtrade / OEC 2023

Top Export Goods

Coal briquettes LNG (petroleum gas) Raw aluminium Gold Precious stones
OEC 2023

Top Import Partners 2023

  • South Africa~23%
  • China~15%
  • United Arab Emirates~10%
  • India~8%
  • Singapore~6%
UN Comtrade 2023

Top Import Goods 2023

  • Refined petroleum—
  • Machinery & equipment—
  • Vehicles—
  • Cereals (wheat, rice)—
  • Pharmaceuticals—
OEC 2023

Finance and Capital Markets

Currency and Policy

  • CurrencyMozambican Metical (MZN)
  • Monetary policy rate10.25% (MIMO)
  • FX regimeManaged float
Banco de Moçambique; IMF

Markets

  • ExchangeBolsa de Valores de Moçambique (BVM)
  • DebtTreasury bills & bonds active
  • PowerCahora Bassa; gas-to-power projects
BVM; sector releases

Regulations and Taxes

Start a Business

  1. Name search & reservation at CREL (with BAU one-stop assistance)
  2. Incorporate at CREL (statutes notarised as required)
  3. Obtain Tax ID (NUIT) at Autoridade Tributária
  4. Register as employer with INSS
  5. Open bank account; register foreign investment with APIEX/Banco de Moçambique
  6. Apply operating licence (Alvará) with the relevant ministry/municipality
APIEX guides; AT; BAU one-stop

Key Taxes

  • Corporate Income Tax32% (reduced to 10% for agriculture, aquaculture & urban transport to 31 Dec 2025)
  • VAT standard16% (selected items 5%; exemptions apply)
  • Withholding (typical)20% on non-resident dividends/interest/royalties (treaties may reduce)
PwC / RSM Mozambique Tax Guides 2025

Talent

Median Age
~17.5 yrs
UN Population
Adult Literacy
~63% latest
World Bank UIS
Tertiary Enrolment
data via WB EdStats
World Bank EdStats
Languages
Portuguese official; Emakhuwa, Xichangana widely used
INE / Constitution

Policy

  • SADC FTA & AfCFTAPreferential access in force
  • Investment facilitationAPIEX one-stop investor services
  • SEZ/IFZBeluluane IFZ; Nacala SEZ frameworks
  • FX frameworkDocumentation required for remittances via central bank
APIEX; Banco de Moçambique

Risks

  • Climate & cyclonesCoastal exposure affects logistics & agriculture
  • Commodity swingsLNG/coal price cycles impact revenues
  • Security in Cabo DelgadoProject timelines & insurance considerations
  • FX & financingFunding costs and metical volatility
IMF / industry notes

Resources

APIEX investment portal Autoridade Tributária (AT) Banco de Moçambique Bolsa de Valores de Moçambique WITS trade snapshot OEC country profile Port of Maputo Port of Beira Port of Nacala

Links open in a new tab.

Data Notes
Population, GDP and GDP per capita (current USD) are latest World Bank WDI values (2024). Inflation is year-over-year based on INE/Banco de Moçambique monthly CPI releases (mid-2025). Policy rate (MIMO) from Banco de Moçambique MPC communications (2025). Internet users and electrification rates are latest World Bank indicators (2023). Trade partners and goods draw from UN Comtrade/WITS and the OEC profile for 2023. Business steps summarise APIEX/BAU/CREL/AT/INSS guidance; tax snapshot reflects PwC and RSM Mozambique 2025 summaries including temporary sectoral CIT relief through 31 Dec 2025.