The Mozambican economy grew by 0.52% in the first quarter of 2026, confirming the first signs of recovery following the recession triggered by the political and social crisis that followed the general elections in October 2024.
According to Lusa, the information is contained in the first-quarter budget execution documents, in which the government acknowledges that national economic activity “showed signs of gradual recovery, albeit still in a context of high vulnerability.”
According to the government, the recovery is taking place against an international backdrop marked by a slowdown in global economic growth, a decline in international trade, and the persistence of restrictive financial conditions.
The document notes that, following the cumulative contraction of 1.89% observed through the third quarter of 2025, the national economy began to show improvements toward the end of last year, closing 2025 with a cumulative negative change of 0.52% in Gross Domestic Product (GDP).
“Despite this scenario, and according to the International Monetary Fund (IMF), the national economy showed signs of a projected recovery in GDP growth of 0.52% for the first quarter of 2026,” the report states.
The government believes that economic performance reflects a “macroeconomic duality.” On the one hand, it points to a relative improvement in external conditions, reflected in moderating inflation and a strengthening of the country’s external position. On the other hand, it acknowledges that weaknesses persist in domestic production, driven by weather-related shocks, structural limitations, and logistical constraints.
The document adds that the extreme weather events recorded in recent months have had a significant impact on agricultural production and infrastructure, while also increasing transportation and distribution costs in different regions of the country. “This scenario reflects an economic recovery that remains fragile, dependent both on developments in the external environment and on the effectiveness of domestic policies aimed at stabilization and stimulating production,” the government acknowledges.
Data previously released by the National Institute of Statistics (INE) indicate that the economy recovered in the last quarter of 2025, growing by 4.67% and reversing four consecutive quarters of contraction. Nevertheless, the country ended last year with a cumulative year-on-year decline of 0.52%.
The economic recession coincided with the period of social and political instability that followed the 2024 general elections, marked by violent protests, destruction of public infrastructure, and significant losses for the business sector.
Before the post-election crisis, the last instance of economic growth had occurred in the third quarter of 2024, when GDP rose by 5.58%.
