Former President of the Republic, Filipe Nyusi, praised the role of Mozambique’s national diplomacy in restoring the confidence of international financial and economic institutions after a critical period of isolation and mistrust, the Lusa news agency reported on Monday, June 3.
Speaking in Maputo during an audience with the Mozambique Diplomats Association (Adimo), as part of celebrations marking 50 years of national diplomacy since independence in 1975, Nyusi recalled the moment the country was practically abandoned by the international financial community following the hidden debts scandal.
“I believe you remember when we were abandoned by the financial world for many reasons, but the actions of the diplomacy you represent were fantastic in helping us restore trust with those partners,” Nyusi said, addressing the diplomats.
Recovered International Cooperation
In 2016, the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund (IMF) suspended direct financial aid to Mozambique’s state budget after it was revealed that the government had taken on hidden loans worth over 128 billion meticais (two billion dollars) in a non-transparent manner.
In the following years, support was limited to emergencies and disaster responses, such as Cyclones Idai and Kenneth, the COVID-19 pandemic, and the humanitarian crisis in Cabo Delgado. It was only in 2022, during Nyusi’s second term, that major financial institutions formally resumed cooperation with Mozambique—a result the former head of state attributes to ongoing diplomatic efforts.
“We made a great effort and brought back the World Bank, the IMF, and some partners from the international community. Even the achievement of securing the first gas platform, which is already producing results, was due to diplomacy,” he said, referring to the start of natural gas exploration in the Rovuma Basin, led by Italian company Eni.
Focus on Economic Diplomacy
Nyusi stressed that diplomats must continue to play an active role in promoting the country’s economic potential, particularly in the agriculture, energy, and maritime sectors.
“We have the land. Our wealth is in the land, in the soil, and now, more than ever, in the sea. Therefore, the sea must be protected, defended, and recognized,” he emphasized.
The former president called for the strengthening of economic diplomacy as a development tool, urging external representatives to “sell” Mozambique—in a positive sense—by promoting the country, attracting investment, and creating strategic partnerships.
Renewed Support and New Prospects
The new government, led by Daniel Chapo, who took office in January 2025, recently received guarantees of support from several multilateral institutions, including the IMF, World Bank, and the United Nations. The funding is directed toward key sectors such as agriculture, infrastructure, health, education, and good governance.
The World Bank, for example, currently has over 40 active projects in the country, worth more than 448 billion meticais (seven billion dollars). These projects are aligned with pillars of sustainable, inclusive, and resilient growth, with a focus on strengthening human capital.
Mozambique’s Diplomacy Celebrates 50 Years
The meeting with Adimo is part of the celebrations marking five decades of Mozambican diplomacy, which officially began with the country’s independence on June 25, 1975.
Filipe Nyusi, who governed from 2015 to 2024, recalled the challenges faced during his term and the role that diplomats played in rebuilding the country’s international image.
“Diplomacy was our first trench in the fight to reintegrate Mozambique into the international financial system,” he stated.
The celebrations of the 50th anniversary of Mozambican diplomacy are taking place throughout June, culminating in the Independence Day festivities on June 25.
Source: Diário Económico
