The organisers of the 61st edition of the Maputo International Trade Fair (FACIM 2026) are targeting at least $7.5 billion in business and export transactions, underpinned by the recent performance of Mozambique's external trade and the outlook for growth and diversification of domestic production.
According to information presented by the organisers during a briefing with media representatives, the target is benchmarked against the trajectory of national exports. In 2025, Mozambique exported approximately $7.5 billion worth of goods and services, against roughly $7 billion in imports.
For 2026, organisers project exports to remain around the $7.5 billion mark, supported by traditional commodities, diversification of agricultural output, and expansion of the services sector. In the first half of this year alone, the country exported approximately $3.5 billion — a result that, according to the organisers, could allow Mozambique to meet or exceed its full-year target.
In this context, FACIM aims to position itself not merely as an exhibition space but as a platform connecting domestic producers, investors, buyers, and international partners, with the objective of converting business participation into contracts, partnerships, and export opportunities.
This year's edition brings together approximately 2,300 domestic companies and around 600 foreign firms from 29 countries. Although the number of national participants falls short of the initial projection of 2,500, the organisers regard the turnout as a demonstration of the resilience and competitiveness of Mozambique's private sector. Represented among the exhibitors are micro, small, medium, and large enterprises, as well as cooperatives from all 11 of the country's provinces.
The international contingent includes companies from Europe, Asia, Latin America, North America, and the Middle East — reflecting, according to the organisers, sustained external interest in investment opportunities across different sectors and regions of Mozambique.
FACIM 2026 features 14 pavilions — one more than in the previous edition — dedicated to areas including digital transformation, agriculture, fisheries, the blue economy, and micro, small, and medium enterprises. The organisers expect approximately 55,000 visitors over the six days of the fair, with the aim of converting that footfall into business contacts, partnerships, and commercial opportunities.
A key focus of this edition is strengthening the participation of micro, small, and medium enterprises in the broader economy by bringing them closer to the state, the private sector, and large investment projects. According to AIM, the fair seeks to contribute to the professionalisation and formalisation of these businesses and to facilitate their access to markets and supply opportunities.
Agriculture, fisheries, and the blue economy also occupy a prominent position, with the fair promoting the productive potential of coastal and inland provinces. Tourism is integrated into this strategy through the promotion of national destinations and the facilitation of connections between operators and prospective partners.
The programme also includes business-to-business meetings and dedicated Meeting Invest Rooms, designed to bring together the government, the private sector, development cooperation partners, and companies interested in investing or establishing partnerships in Mozambique.
FACIM 2026 is also advancing the digitalisation of the fair itself, through mechanisms such as electronic ticketing and digital registration systems.
The 61st edition of the Maputo International Trade Fair runs from 31 August to 6 September at the Centro Internacional de Feiras e Exposições de Ricatla, in the district of Marracuene, Maputo Province. The event brings together companies, investors, public institutions, and business delegations from approximately 30 countries.
According to data from the Agency for Investment Promotion and Exports (APIEX), this year's edition features 3,150 exhibitors — 2,500 domestic and 650 foreign — and is expected to receive around 55,000 visitors over seven days. The fair is held under the theme 'Digital and Energy Transformation Towards a Sustainable Economy', with a focus on sectors including energy, infrastructure, agro-industry, logistics, tourism, financial services, and digital technologies.
Source: Diário Económico
Original article: https://www.diarioeconomico.co.mz/2026/08/31/economia/investimento/facim-2026-organizacao-aponta-para-75-mm-em-negocios-e-exportacoes/
