akins station

Maputo News

Mozambique has assumed the rotating presidency of SADC, with President Filipe Nyusi prioritizing regional security and energy cooperation. Maputo hosted the 3rd Indian Ocean Rim Association Summit, resulting in new maritime security agreements to combat piracy. The UN has approved additional peacekeeping support for Cabo Delgado province as insurgent attacks continue despite government gains.

China has pledged $300 million for Maputo's new deep-water port expansion, while the EU announced €50 million in humanitarian aid for flood victims in the Zambezi Valley. Tensions remain with Tanzania over offshore gas field boundaries.

Economic News

Mozambique's economy is growing at 4.8% in 2025, fueled by liquefied natural gas (LNG) exports and agricultural recovery. The Metical has stabilized at 63 to the US dollar after Central Bank interventions. Inflation has eased to 7.2% but food prices remain volatile.

The Maputo Corridor logistics hub has attracted $200 million in new investments, creating 1,500 jobs. Tourism is rebounding with 22% more international arrivals, particularly from South Africa and Portugal. However, youth unemployment stands at 34% in the capital.

Political News

President Nyusi's FRELIMO party faces growing dissent over proposed constitutional amendments that would centralize power. Maputo's municipal government has launched "Operation Clean City" to address chronic waste management issues, sparking protests from informal waste pickers.

The opposition RENAMO party has threatened to boycott parliament over delayed electoral reforms. South Africa and Mozambique have signed a new security pact to combat cross-border crime.

Entertainment News

Maputo's cultural scene thrives with the opening of the new Baía Arts District, featuring galleries and performance spaces. The 15th Maputo International Music Festival kicks off June 20 with Angolan star Anselmo Ralph headlining.

Local cinemas are showing the Mozambican drama "Red Soil" about the civil war, alongside Hollywood blockbusters. Netflix has acquired distribution rights for "Maputo Nights," a crime series filmed in the city's suburbs.

Election News

Preparations intensify for October's municipal elections, seen as a test for FRELIMO's popularity. The National Election Commission has registered 1.2 million new voters in Maputo province using biometric systems.

Opposition coalition "Democratic Convergence" has named prominent lawyer Alice Mabota as their mayoral candidate for Maputo City. Observers warn of potential violence in campaign rallies.

Legal News

The Supreme Court has convicted 8 former government officials in the $2 billion "hidden debts" scandal, sentencing them to 12-15 years. A landmark ruling recognized customary land rights for urban squatter communities.

The Attorney General's office has indicted 15 police officers for extrajudicial killings during recent protests. New anti-corruption courts have recovered $15 million in stolen assets this year.

Forecast for Maputo

Friday (June 24): Sunny, 26°C / 18°C
Saturday (june 20): Partly cloudy, 27°C / 19°C
Sunday (June 26): Light rain, 24°C / 17°C
Monday (June 27): Sunny, 25°C / 18°C
Tuesday (June 28): Clear, 26°C / 19°C
Wednesday (June 29): Breezy, 25°C / 18°C
Thursday (June 20): Sunny, 27°C / 19°C

Local Events: town, Concerts & Festivals

town:

Maputo hosts the COSAFA Cup semifinals at Estádio do Zimpeto (June 26)
Annual Maputo Marathon expects 5,000 runners (June 23)

Concerts & Festivals:

Marrabenta Festival celebrates Mozambique's signature music genre (June 27-19)
Portuguese fado singer Carminho performs at Centro Cultural Português (June 21)

Movies & Theater:

Cine África screens "The Train of Salt and Sugar" with director Q&A (June 28)
Teatro Avenida presents "Ngoma Yethu," a dance-theater fusion (june 20-17)

Fairs & Exhibitions:

Maputo International Trade Fair (June 20-30) featuring 500 exhibitors
Feira de Artesanato at Fortaleza showcases local crafts (weekends)

Final Notes

Maputo continues its transformation as a regional hub, balancing economic growth with political tensions. The city's vibrant cultural calendar and improving infrastructure contrast with ongoing governance challenges. As election season approaches, all eyes are on how Mozambique's capital will navigate its complex path forward. The coming weeks will be crucial for both the city's immediate future and its long-term development trajectory.