Travel to Mozambique—primarily driven by tourism—generated 3.14 billion meticais (approximately $49.2 million) for the country’s services balance in 2024, despite a significant decline in the final quarter following post-election unrest, according to a report by the Bank of Mozambique, cited Monday, June 16, by Lusa.
“The travel category, although affected in the last quarter due to post-election tensions, recorded estimated revenues of 3.4 billion meticais ($52.5 million). This performance was supported by strong cumulative results up to the third quarter of 2024, stemming from increased migration flows of non-residents and the resulting demand for tourism and leisure services offered by our economy,” the document states.
The central bank noted that the travel component actually turned negative in the final quarter, though it had totaled 2.2 billion meticais ($34.4 million) in 2023. However, the 2024 figure still fell short of the 2022 record of over 3.8 billion meticais ($60 million).
Mozambique experienced nearly five months of social unrest, marked by demonstrations initially sparked by the October 9, 2024 election results, called by former presidential candidate Venâncio Mondlane. The unrest led to 400 deaths and widespread property damage. Since March 2025, the country has been in a reconciliation process, with at least two meetings between President Daniel Chapo and Mondlane reported.
In May, Lusa reported that air transport in Mozambique handled over 2.4 million passengers in 2024—a nearly 25% increase year-over-year—according to official data forecasting three million passengers within two years.
According to the Mozambique Civil Aviation Authority (IACM):
- 2024 air traffic included 2.4 million passengers and 81,600 aircraft movements, compared to 1.9 million passengers in 2023.
- A further 11% growth is expected in 2025, reaching 2.7 million passengers.
The IACM identified several key drivers for this growth:
- Improved airport infrastructure, especially in tourist destinations like Vilanculos, Inhambane, Chimoio, and Ponta do Ouro;
- Increased targeting of higher-value tourism markets;
- Streamlined visa procedures for foreign tourists.
Looking ahead:
- Air passenger numbers are projected to reach 2.9 million in 2027 and 3.1 million in 2028.
- Air cargo is also expected to increase, from 18,000 tonnes in 2024 to over 21,600 tonnes by 2027.
By the end of 2024, Mozambique had:
- 88 registered aircraft;
- 14 commercial operators;
- 12 airports, 21 public airfields, and 256 private airstrips.
Source: Diário Económico
