AGP Executive Report

Shared Water Governance: Mozambique, Eswatini and South Africa are pushing coordinated management of the Incomati and Maputo river basins through INMACOM, framing shared rivers as key to food security, climate preparedness and sustainable development. Climate Risk & Disaster Response: Egypt has sent humanitarian relief to flood-stricken Mozambique, delivering medical supplies and basic foodstuffs as torrential rains displace communities and damage infrastructure. Water Safety: A new Environmental Performance Index assessment flags unsafe drinking water as a major public health risk, with many African countries among the lowest-ranked—highlighting how weak infrastructure and sanitation gaps worsen climate-linked pressures. Mining & Local Value: Mozambique’s new mining law requires a minimum 15% state stake in all projects (free and non-dilutable) and pushes local processing of unprocessed and semi-processed minerals, alongside a local development fund contribution. Wildlife & Justice: Cross-border arrests in Mozambique follow the Kruger National Park murders of Dina and Ernst Marais, with extradition steps set to begin—an issue that also touches the safety of wildlife tourism at the Mozambique–South Africa–Zimbabwe junction. Mercury Pollution Warning: Zimbabwe’s artisanal gold mining continues to spread mercury despite Minamata Convention commitments, underscoring the wider regional risk to rivers and communities.

World Environment Day: Global climate warnings are getting louder, with 2015–2025 flagged as the 11 warmest years on record and 2026–2030 projected to stay well above pre-industrial levels, pushing calls for action under “#NowForClimate.” Water Security: A new Environmental Performance Index review says unsafe drinking water remains a major health risk, with many of the worst-ranked countries in Africa facing weak infrastructure, sanitation gaps and climate pressure. Mozambique–China Infrastructure: Mozambique marked 10 years of strategic cooperation with China, highlighting the Maputo–Katembe Bridge, expanded water supply in Maputo suburbs, and household toilet construction in Tete—moves aimed at better health and livelihoods. Cabo Delgado LNG Finance Scrutiny: In Mozambique’s LNG context, Absa faces shareholder backlash over financing TotalEnergies’ $20bn project amid human-rights concerns. Mozambique Mining Law: Mozambique’s new mining rules require a minimum 15% state stake in all projects (free and non-dilutable), push local processing, and set aside 10% of revenues for a local development fund. SADC Energy Minerals: A SADC-backed initiative seeks more responsible, local value chains for energy-transition minerals across Mozambique and neighbours, running to 2031.

Kruger Park Justice: Mozambique-linked arrests have been made over the May murders of Ernst and Dina Marais near Crooks Corner in Kruger National Park, with South Africa now set to begin formal extradition for trial. Cross-border Security: The case involved coordinated operations across South Africa and Mozambique, including wildlife and criminal investigation units, underscoring how wildlife tourism safety depends on regional enforcement. World Environment Day: June 5’s global focus on “Inspired by Nature. For Climate. For Our Future” comes as climate warnings intensify, with rising heat and sea impacts pushing countries toward faster action. Mozambique Mining Rules: Mozambique has enacted new mining legislation requiring a minimum 15% free, non-dilutable state stake in projects and tighter controls on exporting unprocessed minerals, aiming to keep more value and jobs in-country. SADC Energy Transition Minerals: A new five-year SADC project will support environmentally and socially responsible, locally beneficial value chains for critical energy-transition minerals, including Mozambique. Marine Life Discovery: A global ocean census reported 1,100+ new species in 2025, highlighting how much biodiversity remains unknown and unprotected.

Food Prices Pressure: Tiger Brands warns South Africans may face higher prices ahead as fuel, logistics and key input costs keep squeezing manufacturers, with edible oils in mayonnaise likely to force some cost pass-through. Human Rights & LNG Finance: Absa shareholders question the bank’s financing of TotalEnergies’ $20bn LNG project in Cabo Delgado amid allegations of human rights abuses and concerns about risk monitoring. Mozambique Mining Law: Mozambique’s new mining rules signed by President Daniel Chapo require the state to hold at least a 15% free-carried, non-dilutable stake in mining ventures and push local processing of unprocessed/semi-processed minerals, alongside a 10% mining-revenue local development fund. Illegal Mining Fallout: Reports say Chinese nationals have abandoned illegal riverbed mining operations on the Haroni River in Chimanimani after scrutiny and regulatory action, leaving behind cabins and fencing. Biodiversity & Oceans: A global ocean census reported 1,100+ new species described in 2025, underscoring how much marine life remains unknown and unprotected. Climate Awareness: World Environment Day (June 5) highlighted accelerating climate disruption and growing calls for action under the “#NowForClimate” banner.

Mozambique Mining Reform: President Daniel Chapo signed new mining legislation requiring the state, via ENM, to hold a minimum 15% free-carried, non-dilutable stake in all mining ventures and pushing local processing of unprocessed and semi-processed minerals, with 10% of mining revenues earmarked for a local development fund—an effort to keep more value and jobs in-country, especially for graphite. Cross-Border Wildlife Justice: South Africa says two suspects in the Kruger Park murder of Mossel Bay couple Dina and Ernst Marais were arrested in Mozambique and extradition will begin, following coordinated operations with Mozambican and South African investigators. SADC Critical Minerals Push: A five-year SADC project launched in Lusaka aims to build environmentally and socially responsible, decarbonized value chains for energy-transition minerals across DRC, Mozambique, Namibia, South Africa, Zambia and Zimbabwe. Mozambique Economy & Recovery Funding: The IMF forecasts Mozambique growth of 0.5% in 2026 and revises earlier estimates downward, while the EDF plans to disburse about €130m to support business development, innovation and sustainable growth through grants. Haroni River Mining Scrutiny: Reports say Chinese nationals accused of illegal riverbed mining along the Haroni River in Chimanimani have abandoned operations after investigations and public pressure.

World Environment Day: Ahead of June 5, coverage flags intensifying climate warnings—rising seas, heat waves, wildfires and melting glaciers—under the “Inspired by Nature. For Climate. For Our Future” theme. Mozambique Mining Law: President Daniel Chapo signed reforms for graphite and other critical minerals: the state, via ENM, will hold at least a 15% free-carried, non-dilutable stake across the value chain, and exports of unprocessed/semi-processed minerals face tighter controls unless authorized. Haroni River Mining: Reports say Chinese nationals have left Chimanimani’s Rusitu Valley after scrutiny over alleged illegal riverbed mining that residents say damaged the Haroni River and surrounding land. Rovuma LNG Economics: A Standard Bank study says ExxonMobil-led Rovuma LNG could add about $11bn annually to Mozambique’s GDP and generate major state revenue and jobs over decades. Mozambique–Kruger Case: Mozambique arrested two suspects linked to the murder of South African tourists Dina and Ernst Marais in Kruger National Park; extradition to South Africa is set to begin. Mozambique Business Support: The EDF will disburse about €130m for Mozambique’s economic recovery, with grants for innovation, equipment and sustainable growth.

Mining & Water Pollution: Chinese nationals accused of illegal riverbed mining along the Haroni River in Chimanimani’s Rusitu Valley have reportedly abandoned the site, leaving behind cabins and fencing after public scrutiny and regulatory action. Natural Resources Governance: Mozambique’s new graphite law, signed by President Daniel Chapo, gives the state at least a 15% free-carried, non-dilutable stake in mining ventures and pushes local processing while restricting exports of unprocessed minerals. Protected Areas & Wildlife Security: Mozambique confirmed the arrest of two suspects in the Kruger National Park murder of South African tourists Dina and Ernst Marais, with extradition steps expected to begin—another reminder that conservation areas also need strong cross-border enforcement. Critical Minerals & Environment: The UN Economic Commission for Africa launched a €15m SADC project to build environmentally and socially responsible, decarbonised critical minerals value chains, including Mozambique. Climate & Food Security: A legal-climate case at the African Court on Human and Peoples’ Rights argues states must protect the climate system to safeguard rights, health, and food and water security. Economy & Sustainability: The IMF forecasts Mozambique’s growth at 0.5% in 2026, citing weak non-extractive sectors and fuel-price risks.

Gender & Sport: ZOC is hosting the ANOCA Zone VI Gender Equality and Diversity Forum in Victoria Falls, with Mozambique among 10 countries pushing safer sport, women’s leadership, safeguarding, and funding pathways. Wildlife & Justice: Mozambique authorities arrested two suspects in connection with the murder of South African tourists Dina and Ernst Marais near Kruger’s Crooks Corner; vehicle recovery and confessions followed cross-border work, and South Africa is set to begin extradition. Energy & Economy: Standard Bank’s Mozambique unit says the Rovuma LNG project could add about $11bn annually to GDP and boost jobs and state revenues as it nears a final investment decision. Critical Minerals & Environment: UN ECA launched a €15m SADC project to build environmentally and socially responsible, decarbonised critical minerals value chains across the region, including Mozambique. Animal Health & Food Security: Mozambique extended its livestock vaccination drive to July 15 due to delayed vaccine imports, while also planning to restart domestic veterinary vaccine production to cut import dependence. Climate Risk & Youth Safety: A study linking drought to higher violence risk against adolescents includes Mozambique, underscoring how climate stress can spill into human security. Fisheries Governance: SADC renewed the board of the Regional Fisheries Monitoring Control and Surveillance Centre in Maputo to strengthen action against illegal fishing and improve vessel registers. Tourism & Sustainability: Nampula will host a Tourism Gala and Tourism & Investment Forum (June 3–6) aiming to attract investment and promote sustainable growth.

Wildlife & Cross-border Justice: Mozambique’s Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment minister Willie Aucamp confirmed two suspects arrested in Mozambique over the murder of South African tourists Ernst (71) and Dina Marais (73) in Kruger National Park, with the bodies found near Crooks Corner and the couple’s stolen vehicle recovered in Chókwè; authorities say the arrests followed coordinated work between SERNIC, SANParks rangers, the Wildlife Justice Commission and South African police, and South Africa is set to begin extradition. Conservation & Tourism Safety: The case has put a spotlight on security at heritage sites and the impact on tourism, with officials stressing it was the first such incident in Kruger’s 100-year history. Animal Health & Food Security: Mozambique extended its nationwide livestock vaccination drive to July 15 after imported vaccine delays, while also planning to restart domestic veterinary vaccine production to reduce dependence on imports. Regional Fisheries Governance: SADC renewed the board of the Maputo-based fisheries monitoring and surveillance centre (MCSCC), keeping Stanley Ndara as chair as the region pushes harder against illegal fishing. Climate & Rights: A major climate case is being heard at the African Court on Human and Peoples’ Rights, asking what duties African states have to protect people from the climate crisis. Critical Minerals & Environment: UN ECA launched a €15m SADC project to support environmentally and socially responsible, decarbonised critical minerals value chains across Mozambique and other member states.

Climate Justice in Court: A landmark case is being heard by the African Court on Human and Peoples’ Rights, asking what duties African governments have to protect people from the climate crisis and shift away from environmentally harmful economies. Xenophobia and Safety Spillover: Mozambique says five of its citizens were killed in xenophobic attacks in South Africa’s Mossel Bay, with hundreds displaced and a repatriation effort underway. Animal Health Security: Mozambique extended its nationwide livestock vaccination drive to July 15 after delays in imported vaccines, while also planning about $600,000 to restart domestic veterinary vaccine production. Regional Fisheries Enforcement: SADC renewed the board leadership of the fisheries monitoring and surveillance centre in Maputo, keeping Stanley Ndara as chair as the region pushes stronger control of illegal fishing. Drought’s Human Cost: A new study links prolonged drought in southern Africa (including Mozambique) to higher risk of violence against adolescents. Polio Preparedness: Bulawayo launched a four-day polio vaccination campaign after a CVDPV2 outbreak was confirmed in Malawi, with Mozambique included in synchronized efforts. Maritime Environment Watch: France, with UK support, detained the sanctioned Russian-linked tanker Tagor in the Atlantic, citing risks to safety and the environment.

Livestock Health & Food Security: Mozambique extended its nationwide livestock vaccination drive until July 15 after delays in imported vaccine supplies, with 2.4 million cattle covered for anthrax and foot-and-mouth disease and plans to revive domestic veterinary vaccine production. Public Health: Bulawayo launched a four-day polio vaccination campaign for children under five after a CVDPV2 outbreak was confirmed in Malawi, with synchronized efforts across neighbouring countries. Animal Health Investment: Mozambique’s agriculture minister says about $600,000 will go into restarting local production of vaccines including anthrax and Newcastle disease to cut dependence on imports. Cross-Border Xenophobia Fallout: Mozambique reported seven deaths linked to xenophobic attacks in South Africa, including five in Mossel Bay, and said repatriation and evacuations affected hundreds of Mozambicans. Biodiversity Discovery: Scientists announced a newly identified chameleon species in Mozambique’s sky-island forests, highlighting ongoing habitat pressure and the value of conservation. Regional Fisheries Governance: SADC reappointed Mozambique-based fisheries monitoring chief Stanley Ndara for a second term, keeping the fight against illegal fishing on track.

Dengue Vaccine Push: KNUST has joined the DENSTAR project, a four-year international effort to speed licensure and evaluation of a new single-dose tetravalent dengue vaccine for Africa, with €11m+ secured via GH EDCTP3 and EU support as climate change and urban growth drive mosquito-borne risk. Wildlife Discovery: A newly identified chameleon, Nadzikambia goodallae, was spotted in Mozambique’s sky-island forests, highlighting both biodiversity value and mounting pressure from rainforest loss. Fisheries Enforcement: SADC reappointed Stanley Ndara to lead the regional fisheries monitoring control and surveillance centre in Maputo, backing efforts to curb illegal fishing and phase out destructive nets. Tourism Safety & Security: Mozambique-linked cooperation is reported in the investigation of two murdered international tourists found in Kruger’s Pafuri area, with SANParks tightening ranger patrols. Illegal Coastal Harvesting: South Africa’s KwaZulu-Natal mussel poaching bust seized 6,500 illegally harvested rock mussels and nets; two Mozambican men were arrested. Climate Accountability in Courts: A landmark case is before the African Court on Human and Peoples’ Rights seeking guidance on states’ duties to protect people from climate harms and shift away from environmentally damaging economies. Mozambique–China Trade Boost: President Chapo’s state visit to China underscores momentum from the expanded zero-tariff policy from 1 May 2026, aimed at improving market access for Mozambique exports.

Climate Justice in Court: A landmark case is being heard by the African Court on Human and Peoples’ Rights, asking what duties African governments have under human rights law to protect people from climate harm and shift away from environmentally damaging economies. Mozambique Biodiversity Discovery: The Jane Goodall Institute highlights a newly identified chameleon species, Nadzikambia goodallae, found in Mozambique’s “sky island” forests—while warning habitat loss is already putting it under pressure. Southern Africa Power Reform: Southern Africa is moving away from state-only electricity transmission as governments open legal pathways for independent transmission providers, with South Africa leading and Lusophone neighbours including Mozambique also in the mix. Mozambique Tourism Push: Mozambique’s new tourism agency, Anditur, will use AI to personalize visitor experiences, analyse market data, and manage digital promotion and booking tools. Coastal Biodiversity Under Threat: South Africa’s KwaZulu-Natal authorities seized over 6,500 illegally harvested rock mussels near Durban and arrested two Mozambican men, uncovering nets and a makeshift processing site. Regional Finance for Resilience: The AfDB and WEF launched the Humanitarian and Resilience Investing roadmap, with pilots already underway in Mozambique, aiming to mobilize private capital for fragile economies. Energy Security Angle: Mozambique’s ties with China deepen after a zero-tariff expansion for African countries, boosting export access as Maputo seeks development momentum.

New Species Discovery: A Jane Goodall Institute post says researchers have identified a new chameleon, Nadzikambia goodallae, in Mozambique’s “sky island” granite forests—camouflaged and hard to spot, but now flagged as threatened by rainforest habitat loss. Climate & Water Impacts: A report highlights how Lake Turkana’s expansion is turning communities into islands, wiping out fisheries and hippos, and forcing families to depend on limited government support. Environmental Finance: At the GEF council in Samarkand, donor nations push for bigger funding while developing countries demand fairer access to environmental money for urgent projects. Mozambique Energy/Resilience Finance: The AfDB and WEF launched the Humanitarian and Resilience Investing (HRI) Roadmap for Africa, with pilots including Mozambique, aiming to shift from aid to investment-led development. Tourism & Nature Economy: Mozambique’s new tourism agency, Anditur, will use AI for destination management and ecotourism promotion, linking digital upgrades to conservation-focused travel. Biodiversity Linkages: A Princeton-led study reports experimental “co-extinction” links—if elephants disappear, dung beetles can also vanish, risking ecosystem services. Agriculture Adaptation: ICRISAT expands climate-resilient chickpea seed production in Southern Africa, including Mozambique, to help farmers cope with higher costs and unpredictable weather.

Climate & Water Security: Lake Turkana’s rising waters are turning Komote Island into a shrinking home for the El Molo community, forcing families off grazing lands and even making children travel by boat to school, despite government food aid and a new reverse-osmosis water plant. Environmental Finance: The Global Environment Facility (GEF) council opened in Samarkand with donor countries pushing for bigger pledges while developing states demand fairer, easier access to environmental funding. Biodiversity & Conservation Science: A new Princeton-led study links elephant loss to “co-extinction” risks for dung beetles, warning that removing big animals can erase key ecosystem services. Mozambique Tourism & Nature-Based Growth: Mozambique launched Anditur, a tourism agency using AI to run digital promotion, improve visitor services, and support ecotourism and nature-based tourism alongside investment facilitation. Agriculture Resilience: ICRISAT and partners are expanding climate-resilient chickpea seed production in southern Africa, including Mozambique, to help farmers cope with higher costs and unpredictable weather. Energy & Environment Policy: Mozambique’s tourism push and regional investment plans come as the wider region grapples with power and fuel shocks, with Zimbabwe announcing a multi-billion energy overhaul to cut reliance on imported petroleum and electricity.

Mozambique Tourism Tech: Mozambique has launched Anditur, a new tourism agency tasked with using AI to personalise visitor experiences, analyse market data and manage destinations, alongside investment facilitation and ecotourism promotion. Rail Reform for Investment: In Maputo, the transport ministry opened public consultation on new railway access regulations aimed at attracting private operators, improving transparency and strengthening rail-port interoperability to boost competitiveness. Agriculture Funding: Mozambique secured $500m for agriculture and livestock under PEDSA 2036 and MozAgriBiz, with World Bank disbursements in two phases to scale staples like rice, maize, beans and potatoes, plus protein production through chickens, eggs, soybeans and cattle/goats. Green Cities Deal: Italian firms plan €100m for “green cities” in Chimoio and Cabo Delgado, including drinking-water projects, park regeneration and recycling. Climate-Smart Crops: ICRISAT and partners are expanding climate-resilient chickpea seed production in Zambia, Malawi and Mozambique to help farmers cope with higher fertilizer costs and unpredictable weather. Regional Finance Push: The AfDB and WEF unveiled the HRI Roadmap, with pilots including Mozambique, to mobilise private investment into fragile economies amid a reported $400bn annual financing gap.